Truvada is what’s known as a PrEP medication. It’s used as a treatment to prevent HIV infection if you’re at risk of becoming exposed to it.
We don’t currently have Truvada available, but there is a more affordable alternative called Generic PrEP. Take our consultation to get expert recommendations on treatment and order PrEP online.
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Truvada is a PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication that helps prevent HIV. You can take it to reduce the chance of getting HIV if you’re at high risk of being exposed to it.
Truvada is recommended for people who are high risk for HIV, like those who have partners with HIV, have regular unprotected sex or have sex with partners with an unknown HIV status.
There’s also a type called ‘Generic PrEP’, which is the generic version of the medicine, but contains the same active ingredients as the branded (called Truvada).
What does Truvada treat?
HIV is a condition which can be transmitted from person to person via bodily fluids such as blood, semen or anal and vaginal fluid. If you have unprotected sex or share a needle with someone who has HIV, you could be at risk of transmission.
There is still no cure for HIV, but there are safe, effective PrEP medications like Truvada to help if you are at risk of being exposed to the virus.
What is Truvada used to treat? HIV uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to multiply itself. Truvada is taken to suppress this, meaning the virus finds it more difficult to replicate.
It can only be taken by you if you are HIV negative. If you are HIV positive, there are different treatment pathways to explore.
How does Truvada work?
Truvada contains two main active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil . They make it tricky for the virus to replicate in the body. Truvada works in a similar way to drugs used to treat HIV-positive patients.
It’s only recommended for use if you’ve had exposure to HIV but have tested HIV negative.
It’s important to have Truvada blood tests at a GUM clinic before you take the medication to ensure you’re HIV negative. You’ll also need a test periodically whilst you’re taking it, to make sure that the treatment is working for you.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Truvada
Always take Truvada as directed by your prescriber. One tablet a day should be taken with food, and you should take it at the same time every day. Different dosages might be prescribed depending on whether you’re an adolescent or an adult.
It’s important to know how to take PrEP Truvada if you forget a dose, too. If you remember within 12 hours, take it and carry on with your next dose as normal. If it’s longer than 12 hours, skip the dose and continue with your next one at the right time the following day.
How effective is Truvada?
You might be wondering about the effectiveness of Truvada as a PrEP treatment.
In a clinical study undertaken by NICE, it was found that “Truvada reduced the relative risk of acquiring HIV infection by between 44% and 86% compared with placebo or no prophylaxis” in HIV negative individuals who had sexual encounters with HIV positive people.
What to do with your missed Truvada doses
Don’t panic if you miss a dose or forget to take it at the right time.
If it’s within twelve hours of your usual time, take the tablet with food, when you remember. If it’s longer than twelve hours, skip the dose and carry on as normal the next day.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Truvada
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can Truvada be taken with other antivirals?
Answer:
Taking antivirals in conjunction with each other can help reduce the risk of different treatment-resistant virus strains from emerging, in years to come.
Truvada can be taken successfully in combination with other antiviral medications, such as Descovy. You might find that when you’re discussing Truvada vs Descovy as treatment options, one works better than the other. It might be a combination of both is more suitable.
If you’d like to chat about changing your treatment or switching from Truvada to Descovy, then speak to your clinician to discuss the best options for you.
What Truvada dose is right for me?
Answer:
Finding the right Truvada dosage for PrEP will depend on a few different things.
Your PrEP dose can be different depending on your age, and your weight and any pre-existing health conditions you have.
You can discuss your dosage of Truvada for PrEP with your clinician.
Does Truvada prevent HIV?
Answer:
It’s not an HIV prevention pill. Truvada can only reduce the risks of HIV transmission and it’s important to talk to your clinician about this before you start treatment.
Whilst you take Truvada for PrEP, you should continue to take all necessary precautions, such as using condoms and getting tested regularly.
What are ingredients are in Truvada?
Answer:
Truvada’s main active ingredients are emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. Each tablet contains 200mg of emtricitabine and 245mg of tenofovir disoproxil.
You can choose from branded Truvada and generic PrEP. Both contain the same active Truvada contents but may come in a different tablet size and shape, or in different packaging.
Generic Prep vs Truvada: what’s the difference?
Answer:
There is no difference between Truvada generic and its branded version. Both still contain the same active ingredients.
Sometimes, generic PrEP might come in different packaging, or the colour and shape of the tablets might vary, depending on availability. You’ll still have the right medication in the right dose. There is little difference in Truvada generic compared to the branded medication.
Can you buy Truvada over the counter?
Answer:
It isn’t possible to buy Truvada over the counter; it must be prescribed by a clinician in the dose that’s right for you.
Before starting the treatment, and periodically during, you’ll need to have blood tests at your local GUM clinic to ensure you’re still testing negative for HIV.
Why should I buy Truvada tablets online with Treated?
Answer:
It’s important you feel you’re in control of your health. At Treated we provide you with a safe, private consultation with a clinician, online. You can discuss all your treatment options and decide which is right for you.
We provide safe aftercare too, so you can check in to tell us how you’re doing or ask questions about your treatment at any time. If you want to switch treatments, that’s simple too. We’re happy to chat to you.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
