Tafero EM 25mg

Tafero EM 25 mg – Patient Information Leaflet (English)

Generic Name: Tenofovir Alafenamide 25 mg + Emtricitabine 200 mg Tablets
Brand Name: Tafero EM 25 mg
Manufacturer: Hetero Drugs Ltd. (India)
Drug Class: Antiretroviral (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors – NRTIs)

Important Information Before You Start

Tafero EM is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 infection.
It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but it helps control the virus and improves the immune system.
Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor, as this can cause the virus to become harder to treat (drug resistance).

What Tafero EM 25 mg is used for

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (≥ 35 kg body weight)
• Often used as part of a complete HIV treatment regimen
• Sometimes used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in high-risk individuals (off-label in some countries – follow your doctor’s advice)

How to Take Tafero EM 25 mg

• Take one tablet once daily.
• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split it.
• Try to take it at the same time every day to help you remember.

Recommended Dose:
One tablet (Emtricitabine 200 mg + Tenofovir Alafenamide 25 mg) once daily.

Possible Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea, diarrhea
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Increased cholesterol or triglycerides

Less Common but Serious Side Effects – Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

• New or worsening kidney problems
• Bone pain, fractures, or muscle weakness (possible bone loss)
• Lactic acidosis (build-up of acid in the blood) – symptoms: severe tiredness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea/vomiting
• Liver problems (especially in patients with hepatitis B) – symptoms: yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Important Note:
People with both HIV and Hepatitis B may experience a severe flare-up of hepatitis if they suddenly stop taking Tafero EM. Do not stop without medical advice.

Special Warnings

• Kidney Function: Your doctor will monitor your kidney function regularly. This medicine may cause or worsen kidney problems.
• Bone Health: Long-term use may reduce bone mineral density. Your doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Use during pregnancy should be discussed with your HIV specialist.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines you take, especially other antivirals, antibiotics, or herbal products.
• Do not take with medicines containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) at the same time.

Monitoring During Treatment

Your doctor will regularly check:

• HIV viral load and CD4 count
• Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
• Liver function tests
• Bone density (in some cases)
• Hepatitis B status (if applicable)

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C (86°F).
• Keep in the original blister pack.
• Protect from moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• If you remember on the same day, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 12 hours), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• Do not take two doses at the same time.

Emergency Information

If you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis, severe liver problems, or an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.