What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-An unusual or allergic reaction to emtricitabine, tenofovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Adefovir
-Any medication that contains emtricitabine or tenofovir
-Any medication that contains lamivudine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Certain antibiotics, such as rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, or aminoglycosides
-Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
-Medications for viral infections, such as cidofovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, or valganciclovir
-NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
-St. John's wort
-Tipranavir with ritonavir
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medication.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your care team if you plan to stop this medication. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medication.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your care team. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, the symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen when you stop taking this medication. Your care team will check your liver and general health after treatment is stopped. You may need to take other medications if your hepatitis flares or returns.