Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. You should talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you or your child begin to feel better. It is also important that you continue taking all of the medicines that your doctor has given you for HIV infection.

This medicine can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Do not change the dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For treatment of HIV infection:
      • Adults and children weighing 35 kilograms (kg) or more—One tablet once a day. Each tablet contains 200 milligrams (mg) of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir.
      • Children weighing 17 kg to less than 35 kg and who are able to swallow a whole tablet—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor:
        • Weighing 28 to less than 35 kg—One tablet once a day. Each tablet contains 167 mg of emtricitabine and 250 mg of tenofovir.
        • Weighing 22 to less than 28 kg—One tablet once a day. Each tablet contains 133 mg of emtricitabine and 200 mg of tenofovir.
        • Weighing 17 to less than 22 kg—One tablet once a day. Each tablet contains 100 mg of emtricitabine and 150 mg of tenofovir.
      • Children weighing less than 17 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For prevention of HIV infection (Pre-exposure prophylaxis):
      • Adults and children weighing 35 kilograms (kg) or more—One tablet once a day. Each tablet contains 200 milligrams (mg) of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir.
      • Children weighing less than 35 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the medicine in the original bottle that you were given at the pharmacy and keep it tightly closed.