> ## 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

> How emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil works as HIV PrEP, the monitoring it requires, and who it is not suitable for.

Emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil is an antiviral combination used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in eligible people at higher risk. It is one part of a prevention plan that also includes regular HIV and STI testing.

<Info>
  **Form** fixed-dose oral tablet, 200 mg / 245 mg  ·  **Frequency** usually once daily  ·  **Status** prescription only
</Info>

## How it works

Both medicines in the combination block reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV needs to copy its genetic material after entering a cell.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Established PrEP option" icon="shield-check">
    Authorised in the EU to reduce sexually acquired HIV risk alongside safer-sex practices.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monitoring built in" icon="clipboard-check">
    HIV status, kidney function, hepatitis B and STI screening are checked before and during care.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Schedule matched to the person" icon="calendar-check">
    Daily dosing is common; event-based dosing is only appropriate for specific people and situations.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## A doctor-defined regimen

Daily PrEP commonly uses one tablet per day. The doctor decides whether daily dosing or another evidence-based schedule is appropriate for you, and confirms when protection can be relied on. The indication, regimen and follow-up depend on your history and country guidance — prescribing is never automatic.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Before starting">
    Negative HIV test and baseline checks.
  </Step>

  <Step title="During PrEP">
    Take the agreed schedule consistently.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow-up">
    Repeat HIV, kidney and STI checks.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Safety, in full

Emtricitabine/tenofovir is an effective medicine — and like any medicine it carries risks. Your doctor screens for all of this before prescribing.

### Common side effects

Headache, nausea, diarrhoea and tiredness can occur.

### Interactions and checks

Not suitable if:

* HIV infection has not been excluded with appropriate testing
* Kidney function or interacting treatment makes tenofovir disoproxil unsuitable

### When to seek help

For severe, sudden or unexpected symptoms, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. Then let your doctor know through your account chat.

## How Hi-Doctor handles it

An EU-licensed doctor reads your questionnaire and answers within 24 hours. If the doctor decides it is not safe to prescribe, the consultation fee is refunded in full. Follow-up happens in the private chat inside your account, under GDPR — no WhatsApp, no SMS. See [pricing](/essentials/pricing) for how the consultation fee works; medication, where prescribed, is paid separately at the pharmacy.

For the day-to-day guide to taking this medicine, see the [emtricitabine/tenofovir PrEP guide](/library/guides/emtricitabine-tenofovir-prep). For background on the condition it addresses, see [HIV PrEP](/library/conditions/hiv-prep) and [Hi-Doctor's safety approach](/essentials/safety).

## 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>