> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Emtricitabine/tenofovir PrEP guide

> Daily HIV PrEP: the tablet schedule, pre-start testing, kidney and bone monitoring, and the symptoms that need prompt review.

Emtricitabine/tenofovir is a fixed-dose tablet taken daily to reduce the
risk of sexually acquired HIV, as part of a monitored prevention plan that
includes regular testing.

## How to use

Two things hold for as long as you are on PrEP: the daily tablet, and the fact
that the schedule itself is set clinically.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="One 200 mg/245 mg tablet once daily" icon="pill">
    Taken every day, preferably with food, at a time that can be maintained
    consistently. Daily PrEP protection depends strongly on adherence.
    Tablets are not shared, and another person's schedule is not used.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Starting, stopping or switching schedules is a medical decision" icon="user-doctor">
    A documented negative HIV assessment is required before starting and
    during follow-up. The clinician confirms when protection can be relied
    on and how long to continue after the last exposure.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Event-based dosing is not appropriate for every person or exposure.
</Note>

## Before the first dose

Complete HIV testing, kidney assessment, hepatitis B review, medication
interaction check, and STI screening. Symptoms of recent HIV infection can
require additional testing before PrEP starts.

## Ongoing monitoring

One tablet is taken daily, with repeat HIV, kidney and STI checks at the
interval set by the service — commonly every 3 months for HIV review. A
refill is arranged before tablets run out.

## What has been reported

| Category                | What has been reported                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Early effects           | Headache, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, tiredness or dizziness can occur and often improve. Persistent effects are reviewed with the clinical team rather than silently skipping doses. |
| Kidney and bone effects | Tenofovir disoproxil can affect kidney function and bone mineral density in some people. Monitoring and medication review reduce this risk, especially alongside other kidney-toxic medicines.     |

## Contact your doctor if

* Fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands, marked tiredness, or another
  symptom appears after a recent HIV exposure — seek prompt testing advice
* Reduced urination, swelling, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, bone
  pain, or a severe allergic reaction occurs
* Several doses are missed, tablets are about to run out, a new
  kidney-affecting medicine is needed, or stopping is being considered

## Storage

Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out
of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit printed on the pack and
do not use it after the expiry date.

## What to expect

Daily emtricitabine/tenofovir PrEP substantially reduces the risk of
sexually acquired HIV when taken consistently as part of a monitored
prevention plan, but it does not prevent every infection and does not
protect against other STIs. Adherence, testing, condoms where appropriate,
vaccination, and prompt post-exposure advice all have roles.

## How Hi-Doctor handles it

A questionnaire covering sexual health history, current medication and
exposure risk is reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor — see how
[eligibility works](/essentials/how-it-works) and how
[safety checks](/essentials/safety) run. Sexual health consultations are
offered as a one-off review; the cost is set out on
[pricing](/essentials/pricing).

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Sexual health consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/sexual-health/1">
  Answer the sexual health questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it.
  They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose —
  and declining is a normal outcome. See [what it costs](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription.
  Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor
  after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>