emtricitabineTAF

Emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (FTC/TAF) is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication combining emtricitabine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, with tenofovir alafenamide, a prodrug of tenofovir. It is used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and certain adolescents, dosed once daily in combination with other antiretrovirals. It is also approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in adults and some adolescents at risk, including men who have sex with men and some transgender women; it is not approved for PrEP in individuals at risk from receptive vaginal intercourse.

Typical dosing for HIV treatment is 200 mg of emtricitabine with 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide once daily as part of a multi-drug regimen. For PrEP, the same fixed-dose tablet is taken once daily. The tablets can be taken with or without food, according to clinician guidance.

Emtricitabine inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing viral DNA synthesis. Tenofovir alafenamide is a prodrug that delivers tenofovir efficiently to lymphocytes, achieving effective antiviral activity at lower systemic exposure than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and thereby reducing renal and bone toxicity associated with TDF.

Common adverse effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Renal function should be monitored; bone mineral density loss is less evident with FTC/TAF than with TDF. Lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis are rare but serious risks. Drug interactions with nephrotoxic agents or cationic transporter inhibitors should be assessed. Initiation requires confirming HIV-negative status and ongoing monitoring per guidelines.