Truvada is a medicine that contains Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil, two compounds with antiretroviral properties that are able to prevent contamination with the HIV virus and also aid in its treatment.
This drug can be used to prevent a person from becoming infected with HIV because it interferes with the normal activity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the HIV virus. In this way, this remedy reduces the amount of HIV in the body, thus improving the immune system.
This drug is also known as PrEP because it is a type of pre-exposure prophylaxis of the HIV virus, and it reduces the chance of being sexually contaminated by almost 100% and in 70% by using shared syringes. However, its use does not exclude the need to use condoms in all intimate contact, nor does it exclude other forms of HIV prevention.
Price
The price of Truvada ranges from 500 to 1000 reais, and although it is not marketed in Brazil, it can be purchased at online stores. The desire of the Ministry of Health is that it be distributed freely by SUS.
Indications
- To prevent AIDS
Truvada is indicated for all people who are at high risk of contamination such as partners of HIV-positive people, doctors, nurses and dentists who treat infected people, as well as for sex workers, homosexuals and people who change partners frequently or injecting drugs.
- To treat AIDS
It is recommended for adults to combat type 1 HIV virus in combination with other medicines indicated by the doctor, respecting its dosage and mode of use.
How to take
Generally, 1 tablet daily should be taken, as prescribed by the doctor who prescribed the medicine. The dose and duration of treatment vary from person to person and should therefore be indicated by a specialist.
People who have had unprotected sex or who have been exposed to the HIV virus can start taking this medicine, which is also known as PreP, for up to 72 hours.
Side effects
Some of the side effects of Truvada may include headache, dizziness, extreme tiredness, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, confusion, digestion problems, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, bloating, skin rash, hives, red spots and swelling on the skin, pain or itching of the skin.
Contraindications
This medication is contraindicated for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, patients with allergy to emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or other components of the formula.
In addition, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have kidney problems or diseases, liver disease such as chronic hepatitis B or C, overweight, diabetes, cholesterol, or if you are over 65, you should talk to your doctor before to start treatment.
