INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS HIV post-exposure prophylaxis - medicine information

You are being offered post-exposure The names of your medicines are: prophylaxis (PEP) medications because you are likely to be at significant risk of Truvada recent exposure to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). PEP Each tablet contains emtricitabine 200 mg consists of three medications that are and tenofovir disoproxil 245 mg. They are active against HIV to try to prevent you blue, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets, from getting HIV infection. This sheet marked on one side with “GILEAD” and on gives you more information about the the other side with “701”. Emtricitabine and medicines and their possible side- tenofovir interfere with the normal working effects. You can choose whether or not of an enzyme that is essential for HIV to you wish to start the recommended reproduce. course of post-exposure prophylaxis. Isentress If there is any risk that you could be pregnant, please advise the doctor Each tablet contains raltegravir 400mg. before taking any of this medication. They are a pink, film coated oval tablet, marked with ‘227’ on one side. Isentress Introduction inhibits the enzyme HIV integrase, which You have been prescribed post- stops the virus from multiplying in the exposure prophylaxis because you may cells. The drug aims to reduce the have been exposed to the HIV virus. amount of HIV in the blood. Prophylaxis means a preventative treatment. You have been supplied with a five-day starter pack, but the treatment will normally The treatment consists of a combination need to be continued for four weeks. You will need to make arrangements to attend of two tablets, containing three active the Genitourinary Medicine department (My medicines. All three are antiviral Sexual Health) at King’s Mill Hospital as medicines, which are effective against soon as possible (definitely within four the HIV virus. Used together, there is days). evidence they can reduce the risk of developing HIV infection following exposure to the virus. Telephone 01623 672260 (automated One dose can be taken at the same time as system) select option 2 for an appointment Truvada if you wish. for follow-up. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon Taking your medicines as possible and then continue as before. If For this treatment to be effective, it is you have difficulty remembering to take important you take your medicines them, use an alarm, e.g. on your mobile properly. Treatment should start as soon phone. The Genitourinary Medicine as possible after possible exposure to department may be able to offer advice to HIV. help you remember your doses if you are

having trouble with this. Read the label on your medicines. They should be taken as follows: You may drink moderate amounts of

alcohol while taking these medicines (within Medicine Morning Evening normal recommended safe limits). Truvada Take one tablet with food Other medicines and medical at the same problems time each day. With this treatment, there is a risk of problems developing if you are taking other Isentress Take one Take one medication or if you have other medical tablet with your tablet 12 problems (e.g. kidney or liver problems). breakfast. hours You must tell your doctor about any later. medical problems you have, and about any medication you are taking, whether these are prescribed for you or bought over the counter. Truvada and Isentress Swallow the tablets whole with plenty of Do not start any new medication without water while sitting or standing in an discussing it with your doctor first. If you do upright position. It is important they are start taking any new medication, ensure not chewed or crushed. Truvada can be that the doctor is aware that you are taking dissolved in water, grape or orange juice these tablets. The Genitourinary Medicine if you find this easier. department may be able to help if you have any medication queries. Take Truvada with a light snack at exactly the same time every day even if Just some of the drugs that are known to you have not actually had a meal. interact with these anti-HIV medicines include rifampicin (used for treating Isentress should be taken at the same time bacterial infections), aluminium- and each day and can be taken with or without magnesium–based antacids and other anti- food. Taking the medicines at the same virals such as Iopinavir and telaprevir. times each day is extremely important if they are to be as effective as possible.

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You should not breast-feed while taking Contact details these medicines. Genitourinary Medicine health advisors Telephone: 01623 672260 (automated General advice: system) select option 4 to speak with a  Do not take more than the health advisor. recommended dose.  Do not give your medicines to others. Terence Higgins Trust  Keep your medicines in a cool, dark, Telephone: 0808 802 1221 for more dry place, out of the reach of children. information on PEP and where to get it.  You are advised to use condoms during sexual intercourse. Useful websites http://www.tht.org.uk/sexual-health/About- Truvada and Isentress side-effects HIV/Post-exposure-prophylaxis Common side-effects of the medicines are nausea (feeling sick), diarrhoea, http://www.aidsmap.com dyspepsia, headache, tiredness, weakness, and muscle aches. These Further sources of information usually settle if you keep taking the NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/conditions medicines as directed. Simple pain relief Our website: www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk for headaches or muscle aches may help. Patient Experience Team (PET) Serious side-effects are rare. PET is available to help with any of your They include allergic reactions, kidney compliments, concerns or complaints, and will ensure a prompt and efficient and liver toxicity, and reduced production service. of red blood cells (causing anaemia) or white blood cells (making you prone to King’s Mill Hospital: 01623 672222 infections). Newark Hospital: 01636 685692 Email: [email protected] Blood tests will be taken regularly to check blood counts and kidney, liver or If you need this information in a different other problems. Tell your doctor if you language or format, please contact the are concerned about any new symptoms. PET (as above).

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health Please inform your doctor if a severe professional would give you. External websites may be rash is accompanied by fever, muscle referred to in specific cases. Any external websites are provided for your information and convenience. We cannot aches, mouth ulceration, conjunctivitis accept responsibility for the information found on them. If you require a full list of references for this leaflet, please or lethargy as PEP may require email [email protected] or telephone 01623 discontinuation. 622515, extension 6927.

Pregnancy To be completed by the Communications office You must tell your doctor if you could be Leaflet code: PIL201803-01-HIVPEP pregnant. You should take precautions to Created: December 2014/ Revised: March 2018/ Review Date: March 2020 avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child while taking the medicines.

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