References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Truvada is a combination tablet containing emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). It’s used both as part of HIV treatment regimens and as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention. Generic versions are widely available and are the standard PrEP drug on the NHS.
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Uses
| Use | Detail |
|---|---|
| HIV treatment | Part of combination ART (with a third drug) |
| PrEP | Prevents HIV in HIV-negative people |
How It Works
- Both drugs are NRTIs — they block HIV’s reverse transcriptase
- Prevents the virus from replicating
- As PrEP: prevents HIV from establishing infection after exposure
Side Effects
- Nausea (usually settles in weeks)
- Headache
- Mild kidney function changes (monitored)
- Small bone density reduction (usually not significant)
Monitoring
- HIV test every 3 months (for PrEP users)
- Kidney function every 3-6 months
- STI screening at each visit
Read more: PrEP benefits and risks | Truvada vs Descovy | Eviplera
Frequently Asked Questions
Is generic Truvada the same?
Yes — identical active ingredients.
Do I take it with food?
Can be taken with or without food.
Is it safe long-term?
Yes — with regular monitoring of kidney function.
Related reading
- Choosing the Right PrEP Drug: Truvada vs Descovy
- Dovato for HIV: A Two-Drug Regimen
- Triumeq for HIV: A Straightforward Guide
- Efavirenz for HIV: An Older NNRTI Still in Use
- Eviplera: How This Anti-HIV Drug Works
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
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