Study Medication

What is Truvada®?

Truvada® is a drug that combines two medications to treat HIV/AIDS in one tablet: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, 300 mg) and emtricitabine (FTC, 200 mg).

How does Truvada® work in the treatment of HIV/AIDS?

Truvada® is used in combination with other HIV medications (ARV) to treat HIV infection. Truvada® blocks "reverse transcriptase." Reverse transcriptase is an HIV protein that helps HIV to replicate. By blocking replication, Truvada® reduces the amount of HIV in blood (viral load). This facilitates the recuperation of the immune system, and increases the number of lymphocytes and CD4 cells.

How does Truvada work?

Does Truvada® prevent HIV?

We do not know if Truvada® prevents HIV infection. Research is being conducted all over the world to know if this is possible. Thus, if you decide to be part of this study you should continue using the prevention strategies know to be efficacious:

Use condoms in every sexual encounter
Reduce the number of sex partners

How do you use Truvada®?

Truvada® should be used as prescribed by your doctor.
The dose for this study will be one tablet a day.
It can be taken with or without food. Food does not affect the medication.
It must be taken at the same hour every day.
The dose should not be changed or stopped unless you consult with your doctor beforehand.

What are the side effects of Truvada®?

The most common side effects are dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash, and flatulence. There could also be variations in the skin color (small spots or freckles on the palms and/or soles).

IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOM OR CHANGE IN YOUR BODY, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR AT THE STUDY CLINIC.

Tell your doctor:

If you have problems with your kidneys or if you are undergoing dialysis.
If you have problems with your bones.
If you have problems with your liver such as hepatitis or other problems.
If you are taking a medication, prescribed or not, including vitamins, supplements, and natural medicine. Make a list of the medications you take and let your doctor know if you stop taking one of them or begin to take another.