Describe Truvada:
Truvada contains a combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body. Emtricitabine and tenofovir are used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
More common side effects of Truvada
Truvada can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects are usually temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure you talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some of the more common side effects of Truvada in people who took it to treat HIV include:
Diarrhea
Headache
Rash
Tiredness or trouble sleeping
The more common side effects in people who took Truvada as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV include:
Abdominal pain
Mild side effects of Truvada:
Mild side effects can occur with Truvada use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Truvada’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Truvada can include:
Abnormal dreams
Insomnia
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Truvada can include:
Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
Swelling or pain in your abdomen
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
Decreased appetite
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Kidney problem. Symptoms can include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Vomiting
Precautions for Truvada
Truvada may not be right for you based on other medical conditions you may have. Below, we detail conditions that may make Truvada unsafe for you.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings. These are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). a boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Worsening of hepatitis B.
If you have hepatitis B, your infection may get worse if you stop taking Truvada.
Resistance to Truvada.
If you already have HIV, you shouldn’t use Truvada as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP refers to taking an HIV drug to prevent HIV. If you already have HIV, taking Truvada can cause your HIV to become resistant to the drug. This means that your HIV can no longer be treated with Truvada. Always take the medicine according to your doctor’s advice.
