Emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil and Headaches: What Users Say

• jnm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 19, 2019

For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis "My husband and I have been taking Truvada as PrEP for the past 3.5 years. The only symptom we both experienced during the first few weeks was a very localized and nearly constant mild headache located just above and behind the palate - very much like where one would feel a 'brain freeze,' which sensation is far more unpleasant, though of much shorter duration, than the side effect we experienced when starting Truvada. The headache wasn't debilitating, and we were able to tolerate it without taking pain relievers. Aside from those initial 'ice cream' headaches, we have tolerated Truvada very well, and our lab results have always returned normal. Perhaps the best positive effect we've experienced from taking Truvada every day is an enormous reduction in psychological stress, anxiety, and fears about HIV transmission. We learned what 'undetectable' status really means and have been able to overcome the social and sexual stigma of HIV. Undetectable = Untransmittable! #UequalsU"

• RQa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2020

For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis "Truvada worked out fine for a couple of months, had mild headaches and some nausea the first couple of days when I started taking it. Then it was all good for a while. But a recent physical with a urine test showed I had abnormal kidney function, Stage 2 CKD (which is pretty mild but still concerning). I thought at first I was just experiencing my usual insomnia and general soreness, but they got worse the longer I was on the medicine. Definitely stopping Truvada use and switching to another type of PrEP."

• Sex...
• June 29, 2019

For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis "I have taken Truvada for 2 years. For 2 months, I had nausea and vomiting. I didn’t drink or use any drugs. I had no side effects for a time. At one point, I went off Truvada and started it again a couple months later. I experienced the nausea and vomiting all over again for a month. After resuming drinking for about 6 weeks, I had headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, confusion, urinary symptoms, etc. I read that alcohol can worsen side effects of Truvada and stopped drinking. Many side effects have subsided. Ongoing side effects which trouble me are urinary frequency and urgency, and a feeling of extreme pressure when my bladder is even slightly full, and extreme thirst. I have also had trouble swallowing. Was tested for bladder infections and STIs and have ruled those out. My concern is that it might be damaging my kidneys. I have testing 2 weeks from now and am anxious to see my kidney values!"

• Let...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2021

For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis "I have been taking Truvada for about 9 months now. No major side effects. Slight headache in the beginning and an ongoing low appetite. My lab results have been good thus far. I'm concerned over the fact that when I mention Truvada use to friends, they immediately say, 'We don't take that one anymore.' I have raised the issue with the doc, and the response is that Truvada is a lot safer now than in the beginning. Anyone have more insight into this? Have remained HIV-."

• Jam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 10, 2024

For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis "Several years ago, I was prescribed Truvada for PrEP by my physician. On the second or third day after I began the medication, I had a pounding headache that was almost constant, as well as mild nausea; I don’t recall ever vomiting during that period. I could not maintain focus for work, so I stopped by day 5. I waited a month and tried again. The exact same thing happened, so I stopped taking the medication again. When I spoke with my doctor, he said that it was a fairly common side effect that normally goes away. I waited a couple more months and then wondered if my system might tolerate this medication better if I ramped up to the full dose. So I divided 10 pills in half and for the 6 days, I took 1/2 a pill each day. I tolerated that well, with no side effects. I then took 1/2 a pill at 12-hour intervals for the next week, also without any apparent side effects. I was then able to start taking the full dose once a day without experiencing any headache or nausea whatsoever."

• Jam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 10, 2024

For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis "Several years ago, I was prescribed Truvada for PrEP by my physician. On the second or third day after I began the medication, I had a pounding headache that was almost constant, as well as mild nausea; I don’t recall ever vomiting during that period. I could not maintain focus for work, so I stopped by day 5. I waited a month and tried again. The exact same thing happened, so I stopped taking the medication again. When I spoke with my doctor, he said that it was a fairly common side effect that normally goes away. I waited a couple more months and then wondered if my system might tolerate this medication better if I ramped up to the full dose. So I divided 10 pills in half and for the 6 days, I took 1/2 a pill each day. I tolerated that well, with no side effects. I then took 1/2 a pill at 12-hour intervals for the next week, also without any apparent side effects. I was then able to start taking the full dose once a day without experiencing any headache or nausea whatsoever."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2023

For HIV Infection "I had to take this medication because my wife tested positive. From the day I started this drug, I had a headache. This went on for a month until I had what appeared to be a stroke, but all the stroke tests were negative. Once I stopped taking this, the headaches and the problem went away. I would use extreme caution before ever taking this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2020

For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis "Truvada gave me headaches and depression."