Used For:

• HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Contraindications:

• Known allergy to tenofovir or emtricitabineSevere kidney disease (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min)Uncontrolled liver disease or active hepatitis without physician supervisionOsteoporosis or severe bone mineral lossAlready using other tenofovir or emtricitabine-based ARTHIV-positive individuals not on full ART regimen (risk of resistance)

Side Effects:

• HeadacheNausea, vomitingDiarrheaFatigueDizzinessWeight lossSkin darkening (emtricitabine)SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS (Require Urgent Medical Attention)Kidney damage (tenofovir-related nephrotoxicity)Bone density loss / fracturesLactic acidosis (rare but life-threatening)Liver toxicitySevere allergic reactionWorsening of hepatitis B after stopping the medicine

Precautions:

• Must have baseline tests before starting:HIV test, kidney function (eGFR), HBV test, liver functionRepeat HIV testing regularly while on PrEP.Use reliably every day — skipping doses increases risk of resistance or infection.Avoid combination with other nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, NSAIDs in high doses).Patients with hepatitis B must not stop abruptly (risk of HBV flare).Maintain adequate hydration.Not for intermittent or “on-demand” PrEP unless under specialist guidance.

Dietary Restrictions:

• Take with food to improve absorption and reduce acidity.Avoid excess alcohol → increases liver strain.Stay hydrated (protects kidneys).Maintain adequate calcium + vitamin D intake (bone protection).