Description

Tafero EM is a combination of two drugs namely Emtricitabine 200 mg and Tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg. The fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet is recommended for handling infections occurring due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide) is utilized along with other anti-retroviral therapies in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.

The FDC does not cure HIV at will, however, with its three-way process, it helps in curbing down the viral load in the body. The process includes,

• Inhibition of protein (HIV reverse transcriptase) which restricts the conversion of genetic material (DNA transcription)
• Reducing the spread of HIV
• Acquiring immunity against HIV-related severe illnesses

Initial testing:

Hepatitis B viral infection: The drug is not administered in HBV infection as it has shown severe complications in HIV-1 and HBV coinfected patients. It is important to examine the kidney functioning and if required, be given anti-HBV medicines before initiating Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide).

The FDC drug is taken once daily (1 tablet) at the same time. It is devoured orally with or without food. The table below shows the recommended dosage regimen.

Other characteristics of Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide):

Side-effects of Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide):

The FDC drug has only one common side-effect being nausea. However, due to the occurrence of different complications, the side-effects might differ based on the condition of patients.

• Unwarranted changes in the immune system i.e Immune reconstitution syndrome
• Kidney failure
• High amounts of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) with side-effects like weakness, unusual tiredness and muscle pain, irregular heartbeats or breathing, pain in the stomach with nausea & vomiting, or dizziness
• Severe complications in the liver

Note: These are not all side-effects of the drug, please ask your healthcare provider for more information.

General warnings associated with Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide):

• The FDC drug is not administered in patients having kidney problems
• If the patients are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, avoid taking this drug
• Evade from missing any dose and take it is as prescribed
• Inform about all your medicines including herbal supplements, vitamins other than this regimen