What Is Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Used For?

Efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir is used for treating HIV and AIDS. It works by blocking a process that the virus needs in order to multiply. The combination drug contains three different HIV medications, and it can either be used alone or as part of an HIV "cocktail." At this time, there are no efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir uses approved for children or adolescents.

Info on Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir

What Is Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Used For? -- An Overview

Efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Atripla™) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. It contains three different drugs from three different classes of HIV medications.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was initially reported in the United States in 1981. Since then, it has become a significant worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initially, an HIV infection usually does not cause any obvious symptoms (see HIV Symptoms). However, by killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV will eventually begin to progressively destroy the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers (see AIDS Symptoms).

HIV is commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. Transmission also happens through contact with infected blood, which frequently occurs among IV drug users (who share needles or syringes contaminated with blood from someone infected with the virus). Women with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

Because efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir contains three different medications, it can be used alone to treat HIV or AIDS, but it can also be combined with other HIV medications.

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