All drugs have possible side effects, including HIV medicines like emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada). But everyone is different. Your side effects may be different from those of someone else who takes the same medication.
Most common side effects of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, such as nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, or headaches, are mild. And they often get better within a few weeks. This medication can help people with HIV live longer and healthier lives, and can help prevent HIV if you’re at risk. So for most people, the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
But the drug does have some side effects that can be bothersome or even serious. So it’s important to know what to look out for – and what to do if they happen to you.
Common Side Effects of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (Truvada)
Most people find the side effects of this drug manageable. But if your symptoms don’t go away within a few weeks or get worse, call your doctor.
In the meantime, you might try these tips to help ease some of the most common side effects:
Diarrhea. Try taking your pill with a meal. Experiment with taking it at different times of day to see if that helps.
Nausea. Your doctor can recommend anti-nausea medication. You can also get some types over the counter. Try taking your pill with food, or take it just before you go to sleep. If you throw up, do your best to stay hydrated. And stick to bland foods like rice, toast, or bananas.
Headache. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or aspirin can help if your doctor says that’s OK. Try resting in a dark room or putting a cool cloth on your head.
Appetite loss. Although not as common, this might happen when you take the drug for PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis, or medicine taken to prevent getting HIV). Try snacking instead of eating big meals. Avoid foods that don’t appeal to you now.
Other common and mild side effects that you might notice include:
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Unusual dreams
It may help to write down any mild side effects you have and how they change over time. You can discuss them with your doctor during your next doctor visit.
Tell your doctor right away if any side effect seems serious.
You may be tempted to try herbs or other supplements that claim to ease side effects of HIV medicine. Don’t do this without checking with your doctor. Some supplements can interfere with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. And unlike medications, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
Serious Side Effects of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (Truvada)
Some serious side effects that could affect someone taking this medication include:
Lactic acidosis. Lactic acid is a waste product made by certain cells in your body. The drug might cause too much of it to build up in your blood.
Call your doctor right away if:
- You feel weak or much more tired than usual
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded
- You have muscle pain for no reason
- You have serious stomach pain with vomiting and nausea
- Your breathing is short or fast
- Your heartbeat changes
- Your hands and feet are cold or blue
Liver problems. Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate could enlarge your liver or cause a condition called fatty liver.
Call your doctor right away if:
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes look yellow
- Your pee is a dark color
- Your poop is lighter than normal
- You don’t feel like eating for several days
- You have nausea, vomiting, and/or stomach pain
- The right side of your belly is painful or tender
- You’re itchy
Kidney problems. Taking this medicine could lead to kidney failure or Fanconi syndrome. When you have Fanconi syndrome, substances that your kidneys should absorb into your bloodstream get released into your pee instead. Your doctor will check your kidney health before you start this medication. You shouldn’t take it with other medicines that can hurt your kidneys. If your kidney function is below a certain level, you may not be able to take emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) for HIV prevention.
Call your doctor quickly if:
- Your arms, hands, legs, or feet hurt for no apparent reason
- Your bones hurt, and the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse
- Your muscles seem painful or weak
- You get broken bones
Bone changes. This medication may lower the amount of calcium or other minerals in your bones. This can lead to bone pain and make your bones weaker. You may not have any symptoms of this. Your doctor may recommend a bone density test, especially if you’re at risk of osteoporosis or have a history of broken bones.
Immune system changes. The drug can cause a condition known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, or IRIS. This happens because the drug helps your immune system get stronger. When this happens, your immune system may fight off infections that you didn’t know you had. Your symptoms will vary, depending on what infection it’s fighting. They might include things like fever or a sore throat. Your doctor will treat the type of infection you have.
Allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to the drug like:
- Swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat
- A rash or hives
- Itching
How to Avoid Side Effects of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (Truvada)
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication. If there’s anything you don’t understand, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You’re at higher risk of side effects from this drug if you have certain health conditions. And taking it with some other drugs or substances could also lead to side effects. So make sure your doctor is aware of all health conditions you have as well as any medicines, vitamins, or supplements you take.
Always talk to your doctor about side effects before you start any new medicine.
