TRUVADA
Used for HIV
NowPatient can significantly lower the cost* of your prescription medication by providing free access to drug coupons, savings cards, patient assistance programs and other out of pocket discount programs. Whether you’re insured, uninsured, or underinsured, we empower you with transparency and cost-saving tools to make your TRUVADA more affordable.
Manufactured by Gilead Sciences
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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TRUVADA key facts
What is TRUVADA?
TRUVADA is the brand name for emtricitabine/tenofovir and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is TRUVADA available in?
TRUVADA is available as an oral tablet contaning 200 mg/300 mg, 167 mg/250 mg, 133 mg/200 mg, and 100 mg/150 mg of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, respectively.
What is TRUVADA used for?
TRUVADA is a combination of 2 antivirals that are used for the following:
- Treatment of HIV infection
- Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis)
How does TRUVADA work?
TRUVADA is a combination of two HIV antiretroviral medications: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Both medications are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They insert themselves into the genetic material of the virus. As a result, TRUVADA prevents HIV from making copies of itself and spreading.
How do I take TRUVADA?
TRUVADA is dosed as follows:
- Treatment of HIV – Adults and children who weigh at least 77 pounds: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once daily. Each tablet contains 200 mg of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- Children who weigh 61 to 76 pounds: The typical dose is 167 mg/250 mg (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) by mouth once daily.
- Children who weigh 48 to 60 pounds: The typical dose is 133 mg/200 mg (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) by mouth once daily
- Children who weigh 37 to 47 pounds: The typical dose is 100 mg/150 mg (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) by mouth once daily
- Prevention of HIV (PrEP) – Adults and children who weigh at least 77 pounds: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once daily. Each tablet contains 200 mg of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
Is it safe for me to take TRUVADA?
TRUVADA is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because TRUVADA will not be safe for you to take. For HIV PrEP: People who have HIV (tested positive for HIV) or aren’t sure what their HIV status is
TRUVADA Common Side Effects
Common side effects of TRUVADA:
- Higher cholesterol levels
- Higher creatine kinase levels
- Feeling tired
- Depression
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Upper respiratory infections
- Sinus infection
- Rash
- Headache
- Belly pain
- Lower weight
TRUVADA Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with TRUVADA. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis): feeling more tired and weak, belly pain, muscle pain, breathing problems
- Kidney problems: tiredness; confusion; nausea; urinating less than usual; swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet; joint or bone pain
- Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, pain in the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool
- Bone fracture
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on TRUVADA
The following medications may interact with TRUVADA:
- TRUVADA increases didanosine concentrations
- Dose reduction and close monitoring for didanosine toxicity are warranted
- Coadministration decreases atazanavir concentrations. When
- coadministered with TRUVADA, use atazanavir given with ritonavir
- Coadministration of TRUVADA with certain HIV-1 protease inhibitors or certain drugs to treat HCV increases tenofovir concentrations
- Monitor for evidence of tenofovir toxicity
- Consult Full Prescribing Information prior to and during treatment for important drug interactions
Who makes TRUVADA?
Gilead Sciences
Is TRUVADA safe in pregnancy?
Data on the use of TRUVADA during pregnancy from observational studies have shown no increased risk of major birth defects. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking TRUVADA if you are pregnant. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to TRUVADA during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my TRUVADA prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your TRUVADA prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient TRUVADA savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient TRUVADA savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for TRUVADA | Canadian Prescription Savings* for TRUVADA | TRUVADA Drug Coupon* | TRUVADA Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of TRUVADA?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for TRUVADA | Canadian Prescription Savings* for TRUVADA | TRUVADA Drug Coupon* | TRUVADA Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the TRUVADA savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the TRUVADA drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for TRUVADA, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the TRUVADA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, TRUVADA is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed TRUVADA for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the TRUVADA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the TRUVADA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for TRUVADA
If you are having trouble paying for your TRUVADA medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for TRUVADA you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- TRUVADA is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers TRUVADA
- If TRUVADA is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for TRUVADA
If you are having trouble paying for your TRUVADA medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for TRUVADA you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers TRUVADA
- If TRUVADA is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for TRUVADA
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your TRUVADA treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for TRUVADA you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for TRUVADA
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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