Truvada (Tenofovir / Emtricitabine)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

Top brand choice

Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
245mg/200mg
Pack Size
Qty

Top Generic choice

Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
300mg/200mg
Pack Size
Qty
What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Truvada is a combination medication containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. They belong to a drug class known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by blocking the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme important for the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is used to help manage HIV infection in adults and children by lowering the amount of virus in the body and supporting the immune system. Truvada is also taken daily as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) by people at high risk of HIV to help prevent infection, especially when combined with safer sex practices.

Fact Table

Formula

C22H29O5N6P (Tenofovir) / C8H10FN3O3S (Emtricitabine)

License

US FDA, EMA

Bioavailability

~25% (Tenofovir), ~93% (Emtricitabine)

Legal status

Rx-only

Chemical Name

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine

Elimination half-life

Tenofovir: ~17 hours, Emtricitabine: ~10 hours

Dosage (Strength)

300 mg Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate / 200 mg Emtricitabine (1 tablet daily)

Pregnancy

Category B – No evidence of risk in humans

Brands

Truvada, generic formulations available

Protein binding

Tenofovir: <1%; Emtricitabine: ~4%

PubChem CID

6398764 (TDF) / 60877 (Emtricitabine)

MedlinePlus

a604030

ChEBI

68528 (TDF) / 51290 (Emtricitabine)

ATC code

J05AR03

DrugBank

DB00300 (TDF) / DB00879 (Emtricitabine)

KEGG

D10129 (Truvada combo)

Routes of administration

Oral

Directions

Truvada should be taken by mouth once daily at the same time each day, with or without food. For adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg, the usual dose is one tablet (containing 200 mg of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) daily. For children weighing at least 17 kg, the dose is adjusted by weight. Dosage changes or restrictions may apply if you have impaired kidney function, so follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and avoid missing doses.

Ingredients

Truvada contains the active ingredients emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Contraindications

Do not use this medication for HIV-1 PrEP if you have tested positive for HIV-1 or do not know your HIV-1 status.

Cautions

Before using Truvada, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

Any existing health conditions

Any allergies

A list of all medications you are currently taking

Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Before starting Truvada, your doctor should check if you have hepatitis B. If you stop taking Truvada and you do have hepatitis B, the infection can flare up and damage your liver. If that happens, your doctor may recommend starting other hepatitis B treatment.

Truvada is used for PrEP to help lower the risk of getting HIV but only works if you're already HIV-negative and take it every day. People starting PrEP should also use condoms and get tested for HIV and other STIs regularly.

Truvada may affect your kidneys, so your doctor will likely check your kidney function before and during treatment. It can also reduce bone density over time, especially in children and teens. Your doctor may recommend supplements or bone scans if needed.

Some rare but serious side effects include lactic acidosis (a buildup of acid in the blood), liver problems, and bone softening. Let your doctor know if you experience muscle pain, trouble breathing, tiredness, or unusual stomach symptoms.

Truvada can interact with other medications, especially ones that affect your kidneys. Let your doctor know about everything you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Truvada include headache, nausea, tiredness, diarrhea, and dizziness. Some people may also experience rash, abnormal dreams, trouble sleeping, or mild stomach pain. When used for HIV prevention, decreased weight and stomach discomfort may also occur. These effects are usually manageable and often go away with continued use.

Truvada can also cause more serious side effects, including kidney problems and changes in bone health, such as bone pain or thinning. Rare but serious risks include lactic acidosis and liver problems, which may cause symptoms like severe fatigue, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. Some people may develop new symptoms as their immune system recovers while treating HIV. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice anything unusual while taking Truvada.

References

  1. Truvada Product Monograph. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; 2024.
  2. Truvada Drug Label Information. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; 2024.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

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