Emtricitabine / tenofovir for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis User Reviews
Brand names: Truvada, AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic
Emtricitabine / tenofovir has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 18 reviews for the treatment of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. 50% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 33% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Emtricitabine / tenofovir
- William
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 28, 2020
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "DO NOT take Truvada or Descovy if you care about your face and waistline. It's better just to abstain. I took Truvada for six months and my cheeks lost fat and are sunken in. Plus, the fat redistributed to my waist and became even more dense. I took this medicine to save myself from HIV, but didn't realize I'd end up looking like a ghoul in the process. STAY AWAY FROM THIS STUFF."
- jnmitch
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 19, 2019
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "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 of 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"
Frequently asked questions
- Truvada vs Descovy: How do they compare for HIV and PrEP?
- Which medications help prevent HIV infection?
- RQano
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 17, 2020
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "Truvada worked out fine for a couple 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."
- OkiCo
- January 2, 2020
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I took Truvada for a year a PrEP. For the entire 12 months I vomited and had intense nausea just about everyday. Labs were always normal, and doctors said side effects would go away, they never did. I’m in a long term sero-discordant relationship with someone who has an undetectable VL, and normal CD4 count, We both have several long term regular play partners. Vomiting every day is not normal, and subsided once I D/C’d the Truvada. I’ve essentially gone back to condoms, and my regular partners don’t mind. Truvada is obviously not for everyone, but helps prevent infections in those who can tolerate it. I highly discourage taking the medication if your side effects continue past the time they’re supposed to subside, I have damage to my esophagus related to vomiting Nearly everyday for a year. Not worth it for me, the medicine Does protect against infection but not a justification to puke and feel like death everyday. Don’t think I’ll risk it with descovy."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Sex...
- June 29, 2019
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "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 STI’s 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!"
- Anon
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 12, 2019
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I take TRUVADA for 1 year now as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) my lab results have always come back normal and HIV negative . I sometimes visit bath houses which are very risky places and always remained HIV negative. My only side effects I had was some diarrhea the first week and about 40 pounds in weight loss maybe due to appetite loss. Other then that prep has been effective and an amazing drug in my opinion."
- A-Chi...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- April 10, 2017
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I'm been taking Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PREP) now for over 3 years. It's kept me HIV negative, thankfully. However, the longer I'm on it the more issues I have with sleep and irritability... I also feel like I'm not very enthusiastic as I was before taking PREP. This can all be tied to the sleep problems that I feel are a side affect of TRUVADA. So I'm not completely free of side affects. But I am glad that their is a pill we gay men can take to protect us from HIV."
- 71 days
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 1, 2020
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I had my first 90 day Truvada prescription and I stopped taking it after I got my kidneys tested on day 71 (12/20/19). The creatinine level raised to 1.7 and GFR was 57. I was ordered a kidneys test on 12/31/19 for safety due to being sick. The creatinine level again raised up to 2.0 and GFR dropped to 38. I was recommended to get another test after a week to see if the kidneys will get better. I'm nervous because I expected the kidney would start getting back to normal after I had stopped Truvada but no."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- April 5, 2022
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "Taking for precautionary reasons, as my spouse is HIV positive, but undetectable. Been taking as prescribed for 6 months. Tests come back in the desired range every time, but I have been experiencing nausea and vomiting every morning for the most part since beginning Truvada. Doctor doesn't appear terribly concerned and suggested taking in the morning. I hate vomiting, but completely worth it to be able to safely make love to my husband."
- Letst...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 7, 2021
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "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 -."
- Heart...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 18, 2017
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "Tried Truvada twice as PrEP, including this spring. Both times my heart rate went crazy during my regular exercise routines starting about 3 weeks after going on the medication. I'm discontinuing Truvada again, and hoping my heart returns to normal behavior in a couple weeks, as it did last time."
- DWEBo...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 30, 2019
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I lost weight when starting this drug. YAY I also got cellulitis 4 times over a 6 month period. When I stopped Truvada, the cellulitis stopped. (Dermatologist suggested) When I waited a few weeks and started again, the Cellulitis immediately began and I stopped all together. I am HIV negative. Was only taking for PREP."
- Edinb...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 27, 2021
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I've tried Truvada twice. The first time I was OK for the first 12 hours and then I was violently ill, vomiting 8 times in the day and couldn't function. I put that down to not having it with a meal or enough fluids and so I tried again two weeks later. This time I tried with a meal and water and I had the same result. Really severe reaction that totally floored me. I really want it to work but there is no way it is a mild side effect for me."
- John
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 20, 2020
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "The first day I took Truvada I had low appetite and a little grogginess, however the side effects were gone by the next day. I'm still not experience side effects. I'm glad that science has come a long way to protect us from HIV - I am taking it for PrEP."
- Wu Ming
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- May 10, 2024
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "Zero side effects. Was taking the generic form with zero side effects. Tested every 3 months. After 2 years, all tests normal, but the prescribing Dr. changed me to Descovy, saying it was hard on some people's kidneys. Not sure if the Dr. is getting kickbacks from Gilead as Generic Truvada is cheap and Descovy is still under patent and very expensive. Even though I only pay the co-pay, insurance picks up the rest. Was very happy with Truvada - no side effects with it or the new medication either."
- Nor...
- September 19, 2016
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I have been on daily Truvada for PrEP for 2 years. I haven't had any side effects and my bloodwork has been normal, and I've remained HIV negative."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 14, 2020
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "Truvada gave me headaches and depression"
- Pjano
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 27, 2019
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I have been on Truvada for 3 months and had no symptoms at all. Seems to be doing the job it’s meant to do."
- Jnw
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 15, 2021
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "Still waiting too find out if insurance covers it. Who can afford $6,000?"
- AnonNL
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 17, 2023
"I have felt nauseous and sick daily while taking this medication."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Other brands
Truvada, AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic
Truvada (emtricitabine / tenofovir) "I can't believe there aren't Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis reviews here yet! I've been on PrEP treatment for a little over 6 months and its been uneventful. Nothing, nada, zilch has happened. Except, despite a huge increase in sex. I had a bad hypomanic episode last year that translated into poor choices), I don't have HIV. So, I suppose it's worked! No noticeable side effects for me. All blood work (kidneys/etc) are in the normal range."