Antiretroviral (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor combination — NRTI)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is a combination of two antiviral medicines that work together to block HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from multiplying in your body, helping your immune system stay strong.
Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by acting as nucleoside analogues that compete with natural substrates, causing chain termination during viral DNA synthesis and preventing HIV replication.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one tablet (200mg/300mg) once a day, with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day so you don't forget. For HIV treatment, this drug is always used together with other HIV medicines — never take it alone for treatment. If you are using it for PrEP (prevention), one tablet daily is also the standard dose. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose. For HIV, consistency is very important — try not to miss doses.
Do not buy from roadside sellers or unregistered pharmacies — fake HIV drugs are dangerous and can lead to drug resistance. Never share your HIV medication with anyone else, even if they are also HIV positive. If you are using this for PrEP, you still need regular HIV testing every 3 months — PrEP does not replace condoms and does not protect against other STIs.
Avoid taking with other medicines that contain tenofovir or emtricitabine (to prevent overdose) — check with your pharmacist. Be careful with kidney-damaging drugs like some painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac) used frequently. If you are on any traditional or herbal remedies, tell your doctor as some may reduce how well this drug works.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Emtricitabine; with your other drugs?
This medicine may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding under a doctor's supervision — do not start or stop it on your own, always consult your doctor.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in damp areas like the bathroom. Keep far away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?
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