Tafero EM Uses, Benefits and Side Effects
Tafero EM is a combination of two drugs namely Emtricitabine 200 mg and Tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg. The fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet is recommended for handling infections occurring due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide) is utilized along with other anti-retroviral therapies in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.
The FDC does not cure HIV at will, however, with its three-way process, it helps in curbing down the viral load in the body. The process includes,
- Inhibition of protein (HIV reverse transcriptase) which restricts the conversion of genetic material (DNA transcription)
- Reducing the spread of HIV
- Acquiring immunity against HIV-related severe illnesses
Initial testing:
Hepatitis B viral infection: The drug is not administered in HBV infection as it has shown severe complications in HIV-1 and HBV coinfected patients. It is important to examine the kidney functioning and if required, be given anti-HBV medicines before initiating Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide).
The FDC drug is taken once daily (1 tablet) at the same time. It is devoured orally with or without food. The table below shows the recommended dosage regimen.
Patient population | Weight of patients | Drug regimen |
Adults over 18 years of age | – | 1 Tablet of Tafero EM (Emtricitabine 200 mg + Tenofovir Alafenamide 25 mg) |
Children over 12 years of age | 25 kgs | |
Children over 12 years of age | 25-35 kgs | 1 Tablet of Tafero EM (Emtricitabine 200 mg + Tenofovir Alafenamide 25 mg) plus other antiretroviral agents |
Other characteristics of Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide):
Characteristics | Emtricitabine | Tenofovir Alafenamide |
Absorption time in the system | 3 hours | 48 minutes to 1 hour |
Binding power with viral cells | Less than 4% | Around 80% |
50% of elimination | 10 hours | 51 minutes |
Side-effects of Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide):
The FDC drug has only one common side-effect being nausea. However, due to the occurrence of different complications, the side-effects might differ based on the condition of patients.
- Unwarranted changes in the immune system i.e Immune reconstitution syndrome
- Kidney failure
- High amounts of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) with side-effects like weakness, unusual tiredness and muscle pain, irregular heartbeats or breathing, pain in the stomach with nausea & vomiting, or dizziness
- Severe complications in the liver
Note: These are not all side-effects of the drug, please ask your healthcare provider for more information.
General warnings associated with Tafero EM (Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide):
- The FDC drug is not administered in patients having kidney problems
- If the patients are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, avoid taking this drug
- Evade from missing any dose and take it is as prescribed
- Inform about all your medicines including herbal supplements, vitamins other than this regimen
FAQs for Tafero EM
Tafero EM is used in the treatment of Human immunodeficiency virus infection and chronic hepatitis B virus.
It is safe to consume other drugs along with Tafero EM if prescribed by your doctor. It is important to ask your doctor about the drugs before consuming them.
The patient should stop or avoid taking Tafero EM tablets if any allergic reactions are seen after consulting the healthcare provider for medical help.
Some of the most common side effects of consuming Tafero EM include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Skin rashes
Yes, it is completely safe to consume Tafero EM tablets. It is important to follow your doctor’s prescription and take the dosage accordingly for an effective treatment.
It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and take up the treatment. Even if there is an improvement, it is not recommended to stop taking the tablets unless advised by the doctor. Otherwise, the treatment will be incomplete.
Tafero EM tablets can be stored in a container and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. The ideal temperature for storage is between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius.
These tablets are generally safe to consume during pregnancy as there is no potential risk to the baby. But before consumption, ask your doctor for advice.
No, Tafero EM tablets are generally not addictive. If the patient feels the urge to consume it frequently, consult the healthcare provider for medical assistance.
Yes, it is safe to consume these tablets while breastfeeding, but it is always recommended to avoid taking the risk and consult your doctor for guidance.
Tafero EM tablets are a mixture of two active ingredients or medicines called Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil. These are effective for the treatment of HIV.
Tafero EM tablets greatly contribute to preventing the enzymes causing HIV from spreading to other parts of the body. These tablets also prevent the activity of the enzymes, thus killing the virus and promoting good health.
It is generally not safe to consume alcohol, but there is no evidence to prove that alcohol is harmful when consuming it with Tafero EM tablets. Follow your doctor’s advice to avoid severe side effects.
If you missed a dose and it’s already time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and take the next dose. However, if you remember about the missed dose and there is time for the next dose, then you can take the missed dose at the earliest. Ensure that you do not end up taking an overdose.
Tafero EM tablets affect the brain, which might create confusion, loss of sight, or reduced alertness. Therefore, it is not recommended to drive while taking these tablets, at least during the early stages of your treatment.
If the patient suffers from liver disease, it is important to inform your doctor to get the medicines prescribed accordingly.
It is generally unsafe to consume these tablets in case of kidney disease. Make sure to discuss with your doctor to avoid severe side effects.
Some of the rare side effects of Tafero EM tablets are
- Yellowing of skin.
- Abdominal pain
- Itching
- Muscle aches
This medicine is generally taken orally with water or as prescribed by the doctor. It is suggested not to chew or break the tablet while consuming. This medicine can be taken with or without food.
Tafero EM tablets contribute to the better functioning of the immune system by preventing the severity of HIV. It also prevents HIV from reaching its last stage, called AIDS.
Taking the tablets intermittently or skipping doses can worsen your health condition, and the treatment will be extended for a longer duration. Therefore, follow the doctor’s prescription and take the prescribed doses on time.
An alternative tablet for Tafero EM is Tafmune EM. But it is unsafe to consume the alternative tablet without a doctor’s approval.
If you take more tablets than what is prescribed, it results in an overdose. Inform your doctor about it and seek medical aid. Rush to the nearest healthcare center in case of emergency.
Yes, Tafero EM tablets might cause a hypersensitivity reaction that is dangerous and can lead to death. If the patient experiences fever, swelling in the eye, muscle pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or tiredness, then it is important to seek medical treatment at the earliest so that the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction reduces and the patient’s health can be monitored.
It is always recommended to eat healthy while taking up treatment. Avoid having junk food and switch to a balanced diet. Consult your doctor to get the best advice.
Deon Joubert –
Tafero EM is the most effective treatment for HIV.
Sarah Dawson –
For the past three months, I’ve been taking Tafero EM. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my health.