Used For:

• Treatment of HIV-1 infectionAs part of a combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimenNot used alone for HIV treatmentPre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)To reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in high-risk adults and adolescentsMust be HIV-negative before starting

Contraindications:

• Do NOT use in:Known hypersensitivity to emtricitabine or tenofovir alafenamideSevere renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min, unless on dialysis)HIV-positive patients using it as PrEP (risk of resistance)Untreated hepatitis B (HBV) without medical supervision(Stopping drug may cause severe HBV flare)

Side Effects:

• Common Side EffectsUsually mild and improve with time:NauseaDiarrheaHeadacheFatigueAbdominal discomfortDizzinessLess Common / Serious Side EffectsKidney dysfunction (less common with TAF than older tenofovir)Bone mineral density reduction (much lower risk than TDF)Lactic acidosis (rare but serious)Hepatic flare in patients with hepatitis B after stoppingWeight gain (reported with some ART regimens)

Precautions:

• Baseline tests required before starting:HIV testKidney function (serum creatinine, eGFR)Hepatitis B screeningMonitor renal function periodicallyDo not stop abruptly in HBV-coinfected patientsAlways take regularly at the same time each dayFor PrEP: repeat HIV testing every 3 monthsNot a cure for HIV — continue safe sexual practicesUse caution with:Other nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, high-dose NSAIDs)Certain anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine)Rifampicin / rifabutinHerbal supplements like St. John’s Wort

Dietary Restrictions:

• No specific dietary restrictionsCan be taken with or without foodAvoid excessive alcohol (liver health)Maintain good hydrationBalanced diet recommended to support immune health