Truvada is an NRTI (nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor) used to treat HIV-1 infection in individuals 12 years and older. The drug has two primary ingredients, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. Truvada is not a standalone treatment for HIV-1 as it is always used in conjunction with other anti-HIV medications.
This medicine should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor, and usually that is once a day preferably at the same time. Unlike other medications food does not interfere with the way the drug interacts with your body, so you can take it on a full or empty stomach. It is very important that you don’t take HIV medications with the same ingredients as it may produce unwanted side effects. You should read the product label or inform your doctor of any other HIV medications you are taking. It must be emphasized that Truvada, while effective in reducing the HIV in your body, does not work alone and must be taken with your other HIV medicine.
Truvada Cost Information
Just like with other medications, the cost will depend on where you are buying and the amount you are purchasing. 30 tablets (200mg/300mg) costs $ 1,297.06 at Walmart and Sam’s Club, while at CVS Pharmacy the price is $1,306.02. However the price can vary significantly depending on the quantity.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $679.82 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,306.02 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,905.55 |
Kmart |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $670.42 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,306.52 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,683.87 |
Kroger |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $670.42 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,307.27 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,684.68 |
Publix |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $670.42 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,306.57 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,906.10 |
Rite Aid |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $671.18 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,332.46 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,997.15 |
Target |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $670.42 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,313.13 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,684.68 |
Walgreens |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $671.18 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,331.27 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,976.80 |
Walmart |
| 200mg/300mg | 15 tablets | $667.53 |
| 200mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $1,297.06 |
| 200mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $3,887.18 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Among the short term and common side effects are mild rashes, changing moods, headaches and weight loss. Some patients have also experienced unusual dreams, stomach pain and fatigue, and other symptoms that may manifest are vomiting, dizziness and back pain.
Long-Term Side Effects
One of the most serious side effects of the drug is lactic acidosis, a condition that results in the accumulation of acid in the blood. This can be very serious or fatal, so if you experience symptoms like feeling cold and nausea, rapid heartbeat and sudden irregular muscle pain, stop taking the medication and seek emergency help. Other long term side effects are hepatotoxicity (liver problems), jaundice and liver enlargement and changes to the color of your skin.
Interactions
The effectiveness of this medication may be affected by other prescription drugs that you are taking, and it can also increase the risk of developing side effects. The following are just some of the drugs that are known to interact with it:
- Adefovir
- Aminoglycosides, vancomycin, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, amphotericin B
- Anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs including ibuprofen
- Valganciclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, and others
How It Works
Taken with your other HIV—1 medication, Truvada will make it difficult for HIV-1 to spread in your body and multiply by blocking the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Because the drug prevents HIV-1 from spreading, the viral load in your body is reduced and the HIV in your bloodstream is limited. At the same time the medication increases the CD4 cells or T cells in your body, essential for fighting HIV infection. Without this medication, the HIV virus will just multiply and infect the CD4 cells that are fighting the infection.
Generic Alternatives
If the drug is too expensive you can buy the generic versions known as tenofovir and emtricitabine.
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