Truvada is a drug that combines emtricitabine and tenofovir, both of which are antivirals which stop the reproduction of the HIV virus in the human body.
It is used in the treatment of HIV, which can cause AIDS. It must be noted that Truvada is not a cure for either HIV or AIDS.
Another use of Truvada is in making sex safer by reducing the possibility of being infected with HIV. The user must be HIV-negative to do this. It may not protect everybody in this way.
Important data
Truvada has been known to cause a condition known as lactic acidosis in some people. While it is rare, this is a very serious condition.
If you notice symptoms like muscle pains, weakness, numbness and coldness in arms and legs, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, a rapid pulse or dizziness, contact your doctor and seek emergency assistance.
It is also possible that you could develop liver problems after stopping treatment using Truvada, if you have Hepatitis B.
In order to reduce the chances of contracting HIV, you need to be HIV negative. Take a test and make sure of this before starting a course.
If you are HIV positive, do not take Truvada to prevent infection. Symptoms of being HIV positive include fever, night sweats, diarrhea and body aches and pains.
Truvada is not expected to affect unborn children adversely. However, it is possible to pass HIV on to your baby during pregnancy if you don’t get treatment.
Do not nurse your child during the treatment for HIV using Truvada. If you have HIV and/or AIDS, do not breast feed your child. It is possible for the virus to be passed on in breast milk.
Do not give Truvada to a child under 12 years of age, or who weighs less than 77lbs.
Dosage
Truvada should be taken exactly as has been prescribed by a doctor. Make sure that you follow all the prescription instructions properly.
Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller doses than the prescription states. Do not take it for longer than has been recommended.
Use the medication regularly to get the most out of it. If your prescription is running low, get it refilled before it is completely over.
Since HIV is treated with a cocktail of drugs make sure that you take them all as instructed and on a regular basis. Do not skip out on any one drug.
Missed doses and overdose
If you miss a dose of Truvada, make sure that you take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed.
Do not take extra medication to make up for the dose you missed. If you overdose, call the local poison hotline and emergency medical services immediately.
Side effects
Common side effects include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Depression
Strange dreams
Itchiness (mild)
Changes in shape of body fat
More serious side effects include:
Fever, sweating, swelling glands, sores and diarrhea
Chest pains, wheeze, loss of breath
Cold sores and genital sores
Rapid pulse
Anxiety, irritability
Weakness and balance issues
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Enlarged thyroid
Impotence and lack of interest in sex
Call your doctor immediately if you notice these side effects.
Contraindications
If you feel any allergies setting in to Truvada, call a doctor and seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Symptoms include hives, itchiness, swelling and trouble breathing.
Tell your doctor if you have been using antivirals, chemotherapy, antibiotics, osteoporosis medication and arthritis medication like Aspirin, Tylenol and Advil.
Do not take any other medicine that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine or adefovir, such as Atripla, Combivir, Epivir, Trizivir and Viread.
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