Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil

What it treats

1) HIV treatment: used in combination with other antiretrovirals for HIV-1 infection. 2) PrEP: taken daily by HIV-negative adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV. Truvada is one of two FDA-approved daily oral PrEP options (the other is Descovy, which is not approved for receptive vaginal-sex PrEP). Truvada is generally the preferred PrEP option during pregnancy per CDC guidance, since more safety data exist for it in pregnancy than for Descovy.

Typical dosing

One tablet (200 mg emtricitabine/300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) by mouth once daily, with or without food, for both the treatment and PrEP indications. For PrEP, an HIV test is required before starting and periodically (at least every 3 months) while continuing.

Monitoring

Kidney function (creatinine/eGFR) before starting and every 6-12 months, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has a higher renal and bone-density impact than the newer tenofovir alafenamide (TAF, used in Descovy/Biktarvy). Bone density monitoring may be considered with long-term use or risk factors. HIV testing before starting PrEP and at least every 3 months while on it. Hepatitis B screening before starting.

Side effects

Common: nausea, diarrhea, headache. Serious (rare): kidney problems (Fanconi syndrome), decreased bone mineral density, lactic acidosis/severe liver problems (class effect), hepatitis B flare if stopped in a coinfected patient.

Interactions to know

Avoid combining with other tenofovir-containing products. Certain nephrotoxic drugs can compound kidney risk. Antacids/supplements with calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminum can reduce absorption if taken at the same time.

Cost assistance programs

Gilead Advancing Access offers copay assistance for eligible commercially insured patients (often $0 copay) and support for the uninsured, enroll at https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/. For PrEP specifically, the HHS-funded Ready, Set, PrEP program provides PrEP medications at no cost to eligible people without prescription drug coverage, see https://readysetprep.hiv.gov/. A generic version of Truvada is also available and often the lowest-cost path for either indication, compare live prices above.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

CDC guidance identifies Truvada as the preferred PrEP option during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, given the larger body of safety data compared to Descovy. For HIV treatment, tenofovir disoproxil-containing regimens are well-studied and commonly used in pregnancy under HIV specialist care.

Additional notes

Resistance considerations: for PrEP, Truvada only works to prevent infection if taken consistently, missed doses reduce protection, and starting PrEP while already HIV-positive (undiagnosed) risks drug resistance, which is why HIV testing before and during PrEP is required, not optional. For treatment, Truvada is always used in combination with other antiretrovirals, never alone. Generic emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil is FDA-approved and typically far cheaper than brand Truvada, ask your pharmacist about the generic for either indication.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil cost without insurance?

We compare cash prices for Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil live across verified pharmacies on the drug page, the current lowest price is shown there. Cash prices are unregulated and vary by pharmacy, so compare before you fill and confirm the price at the counter.

Is there a generic for Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil?

Yes. Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is the generic; it is also sold under brand names such as Truvada. The generic is typically far cheaper than brand and is what our verified cash prices reflect.

Can I use the free BetterBuyRx discount card for Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil?

Yes. The free BetterBuyRx discount card is compared live on the drug page and, when a partner network prices Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil, shows the card price with its BIN, PCN, Group, and Member ID. It can't be combined with insurance.

Why does the price of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil vary so much between pharmacies?

U.S. cash prescription prices are unregulated, each pharmacy sets its own markup, and discount programs and mail-order sources widen the spread further (this is common across the HIV nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) combination class). That's why comparing verified prices before you fill can save money.