TENOF EM TABLET

🧬🛡️💊 Emtricitabine 200mg + Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300mg Tablet: Dual-Defense Against HIV & Hepatitis B

Emtricitabine 200mg + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg is a fixed-dose combination of two potent antiretroviral medications used in the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection and in some cases, for chronic Hepatitis B. Both drugs are classified as nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Together, they work by inhibiting viral replication, helping to suppress the virus, maintain immune function, and prevent disease progression.

This combination is also a key component of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)—a preventive therapy for individuals at high risk of contracting HIV.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

Both Emtricitabine and Tenofovir mimic the building blocks of viral DNA. Once inside an infected cell, they are phosphorylated into active forms and act as chain terminators by integrating into the viral DNA, blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which the HIV virus uses to replicate.

• Emtricitabine (FTC): Cytidine analog with high antiviral activity and long intracellular half-life.

• Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF): Prodrug of Tenofovir, a nucleotide analog of adenosine monophosphate.

Together, they reduce viral load, help restore CD4+ T cell counts, and slow the progression of AIDS and HIV-related illnesses.

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📌 Indications and Uses

1. HIV-1 Infection:

   • Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for treatment of HIV-1

   • Reduces the chance of transmission and improves long-term health

2. HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):

   • For HIV-negative individuals at high risk (e.g., partners of HIV-positive people)

   • Proven to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV by up to 99% with daily use

3. Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV):

   • Also active against HBV, useful in co-infected individuals

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💊 Dosage and Administration

• Standard adult dose: One tablet (200mg/300mg) once daily, with or without food

• In PrEP, taken daily, not “as needed”

• Adherence is critical to maintain drug effectiveness and prevent resistance

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⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Test for HIV and HBV before initiating

• Avoid if already HIV-positive but not on a full ART regimen (risk of resistance)

• Renal function monitoring is essential (risk of nephrotoxicity with Tenofovir)

• Avoid in severe liver or kidney disease without medical supervision

• May cause lactic acidosis or hepatic steatosis in rare cases

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🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Headache

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Nausea

Serious (rare):

• Lactic acidosis

• Liver toxicity

• Kidney dysfunction

• Bone mineral loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis)

Report symptoms like muscle pain, breathing difficulty, or jaundice immediately.

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🔄 Drug Interactions

• Avoid combining with:

  • Other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides)

  • Other HIV drugs that contain Tenofovir or Emtricitabine

• Use with caution in patients on Hepatitis C therapy

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store at 20–25°C, protect from moisture and light

• Keep in original packaging

• Out of reach of children and pets

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📝 Conclusion

Emtricitabine 200mg + Tenofovir 300mg is a life-saving dual therapy used in both treatment and prevention of HIV. Its once-daily convenience, high efficacy, and dual activity against HIV and HBV make it a cornerstone of modern antiretroviral therapy and PrEP strategies. With consistent adherence and monitoring, it offers long-term protection, viral suppression, and improved quality of life.

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Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.