Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Dosing

For most people, the recommended dose of emtricitabine and tenofovir is one tablet once daily. If you have kidney disease, however, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take the drug less frequently (such as every other day instead of once a day). To help ensure the effectiveness of emtricitabine and tenofovir, dosing guidelines must be followed as prescribed.

 

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Dosing for HIV or AIDS

The recommended dose of emtricitabine and tenofovir for treating adults with HIV or AIDS is 200 mg/300 mg (one tablet) once daily. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take the medication less frequently (such as every other day), depending on the severity of your kidney problems.
 

General Information on Dosing With Emtricitabine and Tenofovir

Considerations for people taking emtricitabine and tenofovir include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once daily.
     
  • You can take emtricitabine and tenofovir with or without food. If the medicine bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Try to take emtricitabine and tenofovir at the same time every day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It is very important that you closely follow your healthcare provider's instructions about taking emtricitabine and tenofovir. Missing doses can increase the chance of the virus developing resistance to the drug, thereby making it less effective.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to emtricitabine and tenofovir dosing, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;