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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Oral Tablet (EMTRICITABINE/TENOFOVIR ALAFENAMIDE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • HIV
  • prevent infection

Brand Name(s): Descovy

Generic Name: Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide

Instructions

Keep the medicine in its original container.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine is usually combined with another medicine to treat your condition.

Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Always use condoms during sex.

Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • back pain
  • diarrhea
  • headaches
  • darkening of skin, especially hands, feet and mouth

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • depression or feeling sad
  • drowsiness or sedation
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • fever or chills
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle trembling or weakness
  • joint or muscle pain
  • nausea
  • rapid breathing
  • shortness of breath
  • slurred speech
  • difficulty swallowing
  • unsteadiness while walking
  • urinating less often
  • blood in urine
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • weight loss

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.