Emtricitabine/tenofovir PrEP guide
How to take daily HIV PrEP consistently and keep HIV, kidney, hepatitis B, and STI monitoring on schedule.
Come usare
- 01
Passo 1
Take one 200 mg/245 mg tablet once daily
Take the fixed-dose tablet every day, preferably with food, at a time you can maintain. Daily PrEP protection depends strongly on adherence; do not share tablets or use another person's schedule.
- 02
Passo 2
Do not start, stop, or switch schedules alone
A documented negative HIV assessment is required before starting and during follow-up. The clinician confirms when protection can be relied on and how long to continue after the last exposure. Event-based dosing is not appropriate for every person or exposure.
Schema posologico
- 01
Passo 1
Before the first dose
Complete HIV testing, kidney assessment, hepatitis B review, medication interaction check, and STI screening. Symptoms of recent HIV infection can require additional testing before PrEP starts.
- 02
Passo 2
Every day and at follow-up
Take one tablet daily and attend repeat HIV, kidney, and STI checks at the interval set by the service, commonly every 3 months for HIV review. Refill before tablets run out.
Effetti collaterali
Early effects
Headache, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, tiredness, or dizziness can occur and often improve. Persistent effects should be reviewed rather than silently skipping doses.
Kidney and bone effects
Tenofovir disoproxil can affect kidney function and bone mineral density in some people. Monitoring and medication review reduce risk, especially with other kidney-toxic medicines.
04 · Quando contattare il medico
Contatta il medico se
- Fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands, marked tiredness, or another symptom after a recent HIV exposure — seek prompt testing advice
- Reduced urination, swelling, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, bone pain, or a severe allergic reaction
- Several doses are missed, tablets will run out, a new kidney-affecting medicine is needed, or you plan to stop
Conservazione
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
Cosa aspettarsi
Daily emtricitabine/tenofovir PrEP substantially reduces the risk of sexually acquired HIV when taken consistently as part of a monitored prevention plan, but it does not prevent every infection and does not protect against other STIs. Adherence, testing, condoms where appropriate, vaccination, and prompt post-exposure advice all have roles.