• This antiviral is used to treat HIV infection by preventing the HIV virus from multiplying
• It is also used in HIV negative patients to lower the chance of contracting HIV through sex
• Truvada is not a cure for HIV, but a treatment
• Can be used by adults and children who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 37 lbs
• Truvada is also used by children weighing 55-77 lbs who take other medications
• Truvada PrEP and safer sex practices are used by HIV-negative adults to reduce the risk of HIV infection

Always follow the medication guidelines, your doctor's instructions, and your dosage amount instructions exactly. 

• Take with or without food
• Do not change dosage and dosing schedule without doctor's advice
• You will require regular medical testing
• Store in original container at room temp, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture
• If you've had hepatitis B, the virus may activate or worsen when you stop using Truvada; you may need regular liver tests
• Refill your prescription before you run out
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; try not to miss doses as this may increase virus resistance

General precautions:

• If you have hepatitis B, talk to your doctor; it may worsen after stopping Truvada
• This is not a cure for HIV/AIDS
• Truvada PrEP cannot protect you against HIV alone; you must practice safer sex and get tested regularly
• If you are taking Truvada PrEP as prevention, you must be HIV-negative right before starting it
• Do not breastfeed
• As with all medications, keep out of reach of children and do not share
• Do not engage in unprotected sex, share razors, s hare toothbrushes, drugs, or needles
• Note that symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time and this condition may be fatal

Before starting this medication, inform your doctor if you have experienced the following:

• Liver disease
• Osteopenia
• Kidney disease
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or if you plan to

Do not use this medication if you:

• Are allergic
• Are allergic to emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
• Take other medications that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir
• Do not use Truvada PrEP if you are HIV-positive, were exposed within the last month, or have symptoms, such as: fever, night sweating, swollen glands, sore throat, diarrhea, body aches

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• An overdose
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, breathing difficulty, swollen face/lips/tongue/throat
• Symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as: unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, dizziness, cold sensation, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, irregular pulse

Contact your doctor right away if:

• Symptoms of a new HIV infection, such as: night sweating, fever, fatigue, muscle/joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, swollen glands in neck/groin
• Sudden/unusual bone pain
• Symptoms of kidney problems, such as: little/no urination, swelling in feet and ankles, fatigue, shortness of breath
• Symptoms of liver problems, such as: nausea, midsection area swelling, upper stomach pain, loss of appetitie, dark urine, clay color stools, yellowing of skin/eyes

Interactions (inform your doctor if you also take these):

• Medications for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, pain, or arthritis, including over-the-counter drugs
• *Always inform your doctor of all known medications, medical conditions, and allergies prior to taking a new drug, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, supplements, recreational drugs, and vitamins.

The precautionary information, interactions, and side effects listed on this webpage are not exhaustive. Other effects can occur. Talk to your doctor about the relevance of this information to your personal care.

Side effects may include:

• Headache, dizziness, depression, fatigue
• Trouble sleeping, strange dreams
• Nausea, stomach pain,
• Weight loss
• Rash

Side effects may continue after you have ceased use.

• Discuss with your doctor side effects such as:
• Symptoms of a new infection, such as: fever, sweating, swollen glands, cold sores, coughing and wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Balance and eye movement difficulties, weakness, prickly sensation
• Swollen neck/throat, changes in menstruation, impotence, enlarged thyroid

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

(See Cautions)

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

(See Cautions)

Please note that the precautionary information, interactions, and side effects listed on this webpage are not exhaustive. Other effects may occur. Please consult with your doctor about the relevance of this information to your personal case.