Tenof EM

Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine) is a two-drug agent indicated to manage HIV-1 and HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Both tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg) and emtricitabine (200 mg) are employed in combination along with other antiretroviral agents.

Before starting Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine) regimen, it is important to make sure that the patients are tested for chronic kidney disease, HIV-1 PrEP or Hepatitis B viral co-infection. Plus, these patients must have a bodyweight of greater than or equal to 35 kgs

Recommended dosage regimen of Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine)

Patient population

Dosage regimen (Once daily)

Bodyweight

Mode of administration

Adults

1 tablet of Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine)

≥35 kgs

Orally with or without food

Children

HIV-1 PrEP adults

1 tablet of Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine) and other contraceptive methods

Kidney failure patients (Creatinine clearance: 30-49 mL/min)

1 tablet of Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine) every 48 hours

Other activities of (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine):

Once the drug is swallowed, both molecules carry out their activities in unique ways. Tenofovir takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour whereas, emtricitabine requires 1-2 hours for absorbing in our system. However, when it comes to excretion, 17 hours are enough for tenofovir to expel out 50% of the drug i.e. 7 hours (10 hours) higher than emtricitabine.

Side-effects of Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine):

Patients with HIV-1 infection

Patients who took the drug to reduce the incidence of HIV-1 infection

Difficulty in sleeping (Insomnia)

Headache

Rashes on the skin

Pain in the abdomen (stomach area)

Tiredness (Fatigue)

Loss of weight

Diarrhea

Headache

Nausea

Note: Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine) may show other side-effects too, for additional information please consult your doctor

Severe conditions associated with administration of Tenof EM (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine):

There are certain conditions wherein either discontinuing the treatment or the component or drug itself could lead to severe complications. Under such scenarios, it is crucial to consult your doctor immediately for safety. These include,

• Severe acute complications in the liver with Hepatitis B viral infection

• Acute kidney failure

• Inflammation occurring due to immune reconstitution syndrome

• Reduced bone mineral density (Weakened bones)

• Excessive amount of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

• Hepatotoxicity

Warnings for HIV-1 PrEP patients:

• Patients should avoid (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine) unless they are confirmed as HIV-negative

• Use all possible contraceptive methods for preventing the transmission of new HIV-1 infection

• Make sure that your partner isn’t HIV-1 positive nor taking other anti-HIV medications

• Undertake regular HIV-1 testing (3 months or when your doctor suggests)

• Avoid missing any dose of (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine)