Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir (By mouth)
em-trye-SYE-ta-been, ril-pi-VIR-een hye-droe-KLOR-ide, ten-OF-oh-vir dye-soe-PROX-il FUE-ma-rate
Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.
Drug classes
Antiretroviral Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir combination is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine is usually given to patients who have not received any HIV treatment in the past, in adult patients who have an amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) that is equal to 100,000 copies/mL or less, or in certain adult patients who have a viral load that is less than 50 copies/mL.
This medicine will not cure HIV infection or AIDS. It works by lowering the amount of HIV in the blood. The medicine will also help your immune system. This may help delay problems that usually result from AIDS or HIV disease. It will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have some of the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Try not to miss any doses.
Always take this medicine with food.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is low so you do not run out.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in the original bottle at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using St John’s wort, dexamethasone, a seizure medicine (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), medicine to treat tuberculosis (rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine), or stomach medicine (dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole).
Many other drugs can interact with emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
If you take antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, take the antacid at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.
If you take a stomach medicine for heartburn or ulcers (including cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine), take the heartburn medicine at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to emtricitabine, rilpivirine, or tenofovir.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have kidney problems, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), bone problems (including osteoporosis), or a history of depression.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Lactic acidosis Severe liver problems Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heart Kidney problems Depression, unusual thoughts or behavior Increased risk of broken bonesYour immune system may get stronger when you take HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Feeling sad or depressed, anxious, or restless, unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Fever, skin rash, or swollen glands in your armpits, neck, or groin
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Complera
There may be other brand names for this medicine.