Description
Tenvir-EM® is manufactured by Cipla. The raw materials are Emtricitabine (FTC), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and Tenofovir (TDF) is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
Indications:
- human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults together with other anti-retrovirals;
- human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection in treatment-experienced adolescents aged 12 to less than 18 years who weigh at least 35 kg together with other anti-retrovirals.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Tenofovir and Emtricitabine are known as NRTIs and they work by interfering with the normal working of an enzyme reverse transcriptase that is crucial for the HIV to reproduce itself. Tenvir-EM® reduces the viral load in blood, increases the count of CD4 (T) cells in blood which aids in warding off other infections. This strengthens the immune system and lowers the risk of death or infections that can happen when immune system is weak. Tenofovir and Emtricitabine are not active against HIV-2.
Dosage
The usual dose of Tenvir-EM® is one tablet once a day.
Do not change your dose or stop taking Tenvir-EM® without first talking with your healthcare provider.
Take Tenvir-EM® as directed by your doctor.
Take Tenvir-EM® at the same time each day.
Take Tenvir-EM® with or without food.
Do not run out of Tenvir-EM®. Refill the prescription or talk to your doctor before Tenvir-EM® is gone.
Some people who take Tenvir-EM® may experience:
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure.
- Lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood). The symptoms are unexpected tiredness or weakness, nausea or vomiting, constant abdominal pain, pancreatitis. If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Serious liver problems: hepatomegaly, steatosis. The symptoms of liver problems: jaundice, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Immune Reconstitution Syndrome – a condition when immune system may get stronger and starts fighting infections that have been hidden in the body for a long time.
Precautions:
HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact with infected partner, blood (e.g., sharing needles, handling blood instruments, receiving blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants that were infected with HIV), childbirth, toiletries (razors and toothbrushes). Therefore, both infected and non-infected individuals are advised to have any kind of sex using a latex or polyurethane condom, avoid sharing needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors. It is important to discuss with doctor the precautions needed to avoid infecting other people as well as take precautions not to get infected.
Tenvir-EM® is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking Tenvir-EM®, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking Tenvir-EM® without first talking to your doctor, as your health must be monitored regularly.
Women who are HIV-positive must not breastfeed because HIV infection can be passed on to the baby in breast milk.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Tenvir-EM® to compensate the missed dose.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, stop taking the medication immediately. You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store Tenvir-EM® tablets or oral powder at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Keep Tenvir-EM® in the original container. Do not use Tenvir-EM® if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.