Overview Introduction Tenof EM Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better. Tenof EM Tablet is not a cure for HIV/AIDS and only helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body. This helps to lower your risk of getting HIV-related complications and improves your lifespan. It may also be used to prevent HIV infection in some people at high risk. It may be prescribed alone or in combination with other HIV medicines. Your doctor will recommend the best medicines for you and will decide the doses that you need. Follow carefully the instructions for all the medicines that you are given. This medicine is best taken with food. Taking these medicines regularly at the right time greatly increases their effectiveness and reduces the chances of HIV becoming resistant to them. It is important not to miss doses and to keep taking them until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop. Common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, headache, trouble sleeping, rash, and dizziness. These are usually not serious but inform your doctor if they bother you or do not go away. It can also increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) if you take it for a long time. Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor. Some people put on weight while taking medicines to treat HIV/AIDS. Before taking it, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney disease or bone problems. While using it, you may need regular blood tests to check your blood counts, liver function, and kidney function. Since this medicine may cause dizziness or sleepiness, do not drive if you experience these symptoms. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Do not have unprotected sex or share personal items like razors or toothbrushes if you are HIV positive. Talk to your doctor about safe ways like condoms to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Uses of Tenof EM Tablet HIV infection Benefits of Tenof EM Tablet In HIV infection Tenof EM Tablet contains two active substances both of which belong to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. The combination works by slowing down the reproduction of the HIV virus in your body. It helps control the infection and makes your immune system work better. This lowers your chances of getting newer infections and improves your quality of life. This medicine is always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and should not be used to prevent HIV after accidental exposure to risk. As well as being a treatment for HIV infection it may be prescribed to prevent infection if you are at high risk. Some things that increase your risk include having a sexual partner who is infected, having unprotected sex, having multiple partners, and use of drugs. It is very important that you take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of medicines. Side effects of Tenof EM Tablet Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them Common side effects of Tenof EM Diarrhea Dizziness Fatigue Headache Nausea Rash How to cope with side effects? The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist. Coping with Diarrhea Keep up your intake of fluids and electrolytes (sugars and salts) to avoid getting dehydrated. Eat less fiber (avoid raw fruits, fruit juice and vegetables). Talk to your doctor about possible medication to manage diarrhea. Ask about reducing the dosage of your drug or other suitable treatments. Coping with Dizziness This is usually short-lived and should go away within a few days. If this happens, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Lying still in a dark, quiet room may help reduce the spinning feeling. Sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows. Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Get plenty of rest and try to relax as being anxious can make it worse. Try taking this medicine at bedtime to reduce the symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and ginger tea may also help. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking as it will make you feel worse. Avoid driving or using tools or machinery until you feel better. Coping with Headache Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Do not sleep more than you normally would. Do not strain your eyes (for example by looking at a screen). Do not drink alcohol. Headaches are usually temporary and usually go away with time. But, if they last longer or get worse, ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller. Coping with Nausea You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop from feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve. Coping with Rash There are many treatments for a wide range of skin problems. Avoid hot showers or baths because hot water can irritate the skin. Make sure to pat dry your skin after a bath or shower. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Leave the skin exposed to the air as much as possible. Do not use perfumed soaps or deodorants. Water containing chlorine can make most skin problems worse, so avoid swimming. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco smoke and caffeine as it may also make itching worse. Avoid excessive sun exposure. Always use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Moisturizers can be used regularly to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better within a week, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. show more show less How to use Tenof EM Tablet Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Tenof EM Tablet is to be taken with food. How Tenof EM Tablet works Tenof EM Tablet is a combination of two anti-HIV medicines: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. They prevent HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood. Safety Advice Alcohol CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Tenof EM Tablet. Please consult your doctor. Pregnancy SAFE IF PRESCRIBED Tenof EM Tablet is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Breastfeeding SAFE IF PRESCRIBED Tenof EM Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Driving UNSAFE Tenof EM Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. Kidney CAUTION Tenof EM Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Tenof EM Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Liver SAFE IF PRESCRIBED Tenof EM Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Tenof EM Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
