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Truvada
Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir) prescription available online
If you have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or would like to prevent it, Truvada can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Truvada from a board-certified doctor online.*
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At-home HIV and PrEP testing available
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Used to treat & prevent HIV
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. Plushcare doctors cannot treat HIV, although they may be able to provide short-term supplies of your HIV medications while assisting you in finding appropriate in-person and HIV-specialist care. This is for patients’ safety, as HIV requires close monitoring and balancing of multiple medications beyond the scope of telehealth and primary care. Consult our doctors about resources and referrals.
About Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir)
Truvada is considered a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), which functions by treating viral infections. Like many NRTIs, this medication can only be used for HIV treatment and prevention (PrEP). It is ineffective against other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis.
Truvada is available both as a brand-name formulation and in a generic form. These HIV medicines feature two active drug ingredients, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. Brand name and generic medications share the same active ingredients.
Truvada may be prescribed as a film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
Take your Truvada medication as prescribed by your physician, unless your physician instructs you to stop.
Truvada uses
There are two FDA-approved uses for Truvada, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. This medication can treat HIV and hepatitis B co-infections (meaning one has both infections at the same time). It’s most common indication for prescription is HIV prevention in people susceptible to it via sexual intercourse (FDA-approved) or IV drug use (off-label use).
Use of Truvada for HIV prevention is commonly called “PrEP” or “pre-exposure prophylaxis.” PrEP can decrease the risk of sexually transmitted HIV by up to 99%.
If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Treating HIV
Truvada combines the anti-HIV drugs emtricitabine and tenofovir in a single pill. The product can treat people already infected with the HIV virus. It is always used alongside other HIV-1 medicines. For a patient to use Truvada, they need to weigh at least 35 kg (77 lbs).
Truvada blocks crucial pathways that the virus uses to set up an infection. The presence of this medication in the bloodstream could hinder the spread of HIV in the body or stop the HIV virus from establishing itself.
To prevent HIV infection, daily use of the medicine can reduce the risk of getting HIV when used with safe sex practices, such as proper and regular condom use, regular risk reduction counseling, and HIV testing.
As noted earlier, Plushcare doctors are qualified and able to manage patients’ HIV prevention (PrEP) but are not able to manage and treat HIV. They can help guide patients towards appropriate HIV care if needed.
Truvada side effects
The side effects associated with taking Truvada are typically mild to moderate. Most Truvada side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. If they appear at all, most of the common side effects improve after a few days to a week of use. Common side effects may include:
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Trouble sleeping
Rash
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Unusual muscle aches
Mood changes
Abnormal or fast heartbeat
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Weakness
Allergic reactions
Liver problems
Kidney problems
Bone pain and bone density loss
Call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. If you experience adverse effects from the oral tablet, which can cause an allergic reaction, talk to a health care provider. Classic symptoms of an allergic reaction include flushing, itching, rash, and swelling.
Most mild side effects with Truvada subside on their own. But other side effects could be long-term, such as the side effects that lead to bone loss, and kidney or liver problems. Although these are serious side effects, they are very rare.
Use of Truvada in young children under age 12 is not advised because the efficacy and safety of the medication has not been established.
How to take Truvada
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Truvada prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Truvada can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed as one 200 mg/300 mg tablet a day, preferably with food. Some specific instructions may include using the tablet alongside other antiviral medications for treating HIV.
The dosing can vary based on a person’s body weight. To treat pediatric patients for HIV-1 infection, patients with 17 to less than 22 kg body weight often take one 100 mg /150 mg tablet dose daily. Those weighing 22 to less than 28 kg can have a 133 mg /200 mg tablet dose daily.
As a part of PrEP, for HIV-uninfected patients at risk of getting HIV, it is important to use antiretroviral medication every day. This way, patients can decrease the odds of becoming infected with HIV. The dosage for HIV prevention (PrEP) for adults who weigh 35 kg or over is one 200 mg emtricitabine tablet or 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet once a day.
What to avoid while taking Truvada
Truvada has many possible drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to avoid any drugs or medication that interfere with Truvada. Some of these drugs can reduce the efficiency of HIV medication, while others can trigger additional side effects.
Using Truvada with didanosine amplifies the didanosine levels in the system. This can cause symptoms of didanosine toxicity such as neuropathy or pancreatitis. When used alongside HIV-1 protease inhibitors, Truvada might lead to tenofovir toxicity. Therefore, patients need careful monitoring. Hepatitis C Antiviral Agents can raise the concentration of tenofovir and could increase the risk of side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Truvada.
Truvada can cause mild side effects. However, when mixing it with alcohol, the side effects can be amplified. The packaging on each Truvada product states that Truvada could cause dizziness. This effect can be worse if you take it with some medicines or alcohol. Overall, mixing Truvada with alcohol is not seen as a drastic toxicity concern. But, it is important that you take the necessary precautions and avoid using it with alcohol.
Medication alternatives to Truvada
Other Truvada alternative areas part of HIV treatment include Stribild and Descovy, which are also NRTIs. Descovy and Apretude are both medications also indicated for PrEP. If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another NRTI or a Protease Inhibitor (PI) in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C
Atazanavir belongs to a class of medications known as protease inhibitors (PIs). It decreases the amount of HIV in the bloodstream. Even though it can’t cure HIV, when used alongside other medications, it can help treat HIV. This drug can cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, headaches, etc.
HIV virus
Enfuvirtide belongs to a class of drugs known as fusion inhibitors. These medications block HIV from entering the CD4 cells of the immune system. These drugs bind to the envelope protein on the virus, preventing it from going through structural changes, which are essential for the virus to fuse. Patients need to administer the product subcutaneously to get the desired result. The possible side effects of this medication are pneumonia, nausea, fatigue, depression, and more.
HIV infection
Maraviroc (brand name: Selzentry) belongs to a class of drugs called the CCR5 Antagonists. It is an FDA-approved prescription medicine for treating HIV. It can only be recommended in patients whose strain of HIV uses the CCR5 coreceptor. It can’t be used on patients whose infection uses other coreceptors. Possible side effects include stinging, body aches, ear congestion, tenderness around the eyes, dizziness, and more.
Increasing effectiveness of HIV medicines
Cobicistat belongs to a class of medications known as pharmacokinetic enhancers. These products are a practical choice when the patient must increase the effectiveness of HIV medicine. The goal is to increase systemic exposure to make HIV medicine more effective. Common side effects might include rash, jaundice, nausea, and kidney or liver problems.
Truvada prescription FAQs
How much does Truvada cost?
Generic Truvada is as little as $27/month with coupons if you do not have insurance. The average brand name Truvada cost is about $1,871, but offers no medical benefit compared to generic forms. It comes in 200 mg-300 mg dosages and is more affordable than Apretude, Stribild, or Descovy.
How can I refill my Truvada prescription?
You can only get a refill of Truvada via prescription from a doctor. Book a virtual appointment with one of our top-rated, board-certified primary doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, our doctor can send the refill to your local pharmacy. As a reminder, PlushCare doctors cannot treat HIV, but they may be able to provide short-term prescriptions and assist you in finding providers who can safely manage your HIV with you. PlushCare doctors can, however, manage and monitor your HIV prevention with PrEP.
Who should not take Truvada?
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have liver or kidney disease or plan to conceive or breastfeeding. Don’t take HIV medicines if allergic to ingredients unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Truvada?
If you use Truvada, the HIV treatment can cause dizziness. This effect can worsen if you take the drug with other medicines or alcohol. Use this product cautiously, and talk to a doctor if you have a drinking problem.
Should I take Truvada in the morning or at night?
It’s best to take a pill at night before bed. If you are taking it to prevent HIV, you should use it before sexual exposure to HIV. Talk to a healthcare provider to find the best time to use this medication.
What happens if I miss a dose of Truvada?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is about time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and stick to your regular daily schedule. Avoid taking double doses.
What happens if I take too much Truvada?
Call a doctor immediately if you think you have taken too much Truvada. Because of its impact on the kidneys, this HIV medicine could trigger serious kidney damage. This is why it is important to stick to the recommended guidelines and avoid a Truvada overdose.
3 simple steps to request your Truvada prescription today
Step 1
Book a visit with a doctor to discuss Truvada.
During your first visit, your PlushCare doctor will review your medical history and health goals.
Step 2
Talk to your physician regarding Truvada medication.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Lab work is required for PrEP prescriptions, so they’ll send an order to your preferred lab or deliver a lab kit to your home. Once your results are available, your doctor will review them and discuss all treatment options.
Step 3
Pick up your Truvada medication, if prescribed.
Prescriptions are provided based on eligibility and safety. Our physicians will prescribe medications and monitor body functions to ensure safety while taking Truvada for PrEP, and cannot provide long-term refills of Truvada for HIV management.
Truvada prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Truvada prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Truvada prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
"Truvada Dosage." Drugs.com, Accessed September 29, 2023, www.drugs.com/dosage/truvada.html.
"Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)." Medscape, Accessed September 29, 2023, reference.medscape.com/drug/truvada-emtricitabine-tenofovir-df-342640.
"Truvada - EPAR - Product Information." European Medicines Agency (EMA), Accessed September 29, 2023, www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/truvada-epar-product-information_en.pdf.
"Truvada: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Warnings." Medical News Today, Accessed September 29, 2023, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-truvada-side-effects
"Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) with Truvada." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Accessed September 29, 2023, www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/prep_gl_patient_factsheet_truvada_english.pdf.
"Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)." U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Accessed September 29, 2023, www.fda.gov/media/83586/download.
"Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate - DrugWatch." Drugwatch, Accessed September 29, 2023, https://www.drugwatch.com/tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate/
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.