Tenof Em Tablets

Description

Tenof Em Tablets: Uses, Mechanism, Side Effects, and Safety Guide

Tenof Em is an essential medication for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), manufactured by Hetero Drugs Ltd. HIV is the leading global public health issue and has affected more than 40 million lives.

The medicine is a combination of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. It belongs to the HIV combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) drug class.

Boxed Warning & Clinical Caution: Before initiating Tenof Em for PrEP, individuals must be confirmed HIV-negative. Administering this dual regimen alone to an individual with undetected HIV infection can lead to rapid viral resistance. Additionally, severe acute exacerbations of Hepatitis B (HBV) have been reported in patients co-infected with HBV who discontinue Tenofovir-containing drugs.

Key Benefits of Tenof Em

Tenof Em is a generic version of the Emtricitabine + Tenofovir molecule combination. It helps treat and manage the symptoms of HIV and also Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The key benefits of the medicine are listed below:

• Dual Action: It contains two antiviral agents that target the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which HIV produces to facilitate the virus’s replication and the infection of other cells.
• Manage Symptoms: HIV attacks the human immune system, making it weak and prone to sickness. Tenof Em helps treat the symptoms of HIV, such as swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, weight loss, and many more.
• Cost-effective: The drug is a generic, making it affordable and accessible to the majority.
• FDA-Approved: The Food and Drug Administration approved the combination drug in 2004, while the generic versions were approved in 2017.
• Dosage: The medication is available as an oral tablet, making it easy to consume.
• Reduced Risk: Combining Tenof Em while practising safe sex significantly reduces the chances of getting infected with HIV.

How It Works: Tenof Em

Tenof Em works on two levels. It can be used to:

Level 1: Treat HIV

Tenof Em tablets help treat HIV symptoms when used with other medications. It can be administered to individuals aged 12 and above who have been infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV type-1). This virus causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Emtricitabine Mechanism of Action

Emtricitabine is a synthetic nucleoside and is phosphorylated by cellular enzymes. This changes the substance to its active form, Emtricitabine 5-triphosphate (FTC-TP). Deoxycytidine 5-triphosphate (dCTP) and FTC-TP compete with each other for DNA synthesis. Reverse Transcriptase (RT) enzymes mistakenly use FCT-TP instead of dCTP and incorporate it into the viral DNA. This results in DNA chain termination. Moreover, it has low toxicity to human DNA replication.

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) Mechanism of Action

Once the tablet is ingested, TDF is converted to its active form by diester hydrolysis catalyzed by cellular enzymes. Once Tenofovir is converted into Tenofovir Diphosphate (TFV-DP), it competes with Deoxyadenosine 5-triphosphate(dATP). Similar to Emtricitabine, the Reverse Transcriptase (RT) mistakenly incorporates TFV-TP with the HIV DNA chain. Viral synthesis of DNA is terminated.

Level 2: PrEP

Tenofovir is also used to prevent HIV infection and its spread. It is administered in adolescents and adults who are at high risk of catching HIV. Inhibiting RNA-to-DNA conversion prevents the virus from establishing itself in the body.

Dosage and Administration of Tenof Em

Before consuming Tenof Em, make sure to follow your doctor’s guidelines and dosage recommendations. Here is a general dosage and administration of the medicine:

• General Dosage for HIV Treatment: 1 tablet/day containing 200mg of Emtricitabine and 300mg of Tenofovir in adults and children weighing 35 kgs or more.
• General Dosage for PrEP: One tablet per day for children and adults weighing 35 kg or more.
• Dosage for people weighing less than 35 kg: Dosage must be determined by the doctor.
• How to Take: Take it with a glass of water. Do not chew or break the tablet.
• How to Store: Keep it in a cool and dry place. Also, keep away from direct sunlight and the reach of children.

Strengths and Substitutes of Tenof Em

Tenofovir/emtricitabine is available in a 300mg/200mg tablet. The substitutes for the medicine are:

• Tenvir Em
• Tenof EM 300 Mg
• Ricovir Em
  Other alternatives for Tenof Em are:
• Truvada (Gilead Sciences)
• Tavin Em (Emcure Pharmaceuticals)

Side Effects of Tenof Em

When deciding to use Tenof Em, be aware of its potential side effects.

Common Side Effects of Tenof Em

The most common adverse effects of Tenof Em PrEP are:

• Weight loss
• Abnormal dreams
• Depressed moods
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Rash
• Trouble sleeping
• Tiredness
• Abdomen pain

These side effects may fade as the body adjusts to the medication. Contact your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects of Tenof Em

Using this medicine also causes some serious side effects, such as:

• Kidney Damage: Seizures, confusion, feet, legs, or ankle swelling, less need to pee, chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, unusual tiredness
• Lactic Acidosis (Lactic Acid Buildup): Stomach pain, difficulty breathing, general ill feeling, drowsiness, muscle pain
• Allergic Reactions: Racing heart, joint pain, stomach cramps, tightness in the throat, trouble swallowing, wheezing, swollen lymph nodes, itching, vomiting
• Weak Bones: Osteopenia, osteoporosis, fracture
• Changes in the Immune System: Fever, muscle ache, sweats, chills, coughing up blood, weakness, lack of coordination, warts, rash, confusion, problem talking, headache, vision problems
• Hepatotoxicity (Liver Damage): Dark urine, light poop, jaundice, fever, vomiting, nausea, belly pain, loss of appetite
  If you face any of these symptoms or side effects after consuming Tenof Em, stop taking it and consult a doctor immediately. Prompt action can help save lives.

Tenof Em: Safety and Precautions

Before using emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate combination, you must be aware of certain precautions and safety measures. They are:

• Avoid Driving: Tenof Em is known to cause dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving to reduce risks.
• Avoid Sharing: Do not share this medicine with anyone, even if they have HIV. It should only be prescribed by a doctor.
• Inform Your Doctor: Always discuss with your doctor your medical history. Let them know if you have or have had Hepatitis B, kidney problems, and bone problems.
• Breast Milk: The medicine is known to pass into breast milk. Therefore, make sure to discuss it with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

References

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/emtricitabine-and-tenofovir-oral-route/description/drg-20061833
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3954121/