Vonavir Tablet (Emtricitabine 200mg / Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

Description

Vonavir Tablet is an antiviral medicine that consists of Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, and Efavirenz. It is used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (a condition that occurs when the virus attacks the immune system and interferes with your body’s ability to fight infections or diseases).

Vonavir Tablet will not cure HIV infection, but it may delay the progression of a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other HIV-related conditions. This medicine works by preventing the virus from multiplying.

Vonavir Tablet has some side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache, confusion, dizziness, trouble sleeping, abnormal dreams, etc. Consult your doctor if they bother you for a long time or become worse. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it.

Vonavir Tablet is usually taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal. Take it preferably at bedtime to make some of the side effects less bothersome. Take it in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Take it every day at the same time to maintain a consistent level of this medicine in your blood. Take this medicine for the recommended duration. Do not discontinue taking this medication without consulting your doctor as it may worsen your condition.

Vonavir Tablet may not be suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for use in children weighing less than 40kg. Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems or any other health conditions. Also, inform your doctor about all your ongoing medications to avoid undesired effects. Vonavir Tablet is unsafe for use during pregnancy. Also, consult your doctor if you planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Vonavir Tablet
Nausea and Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Headache
Abdominal pain
Depression
Rash
Confusion
Drowsiness
Abnormal dreams
Trouble sleeping

Uses of Vonavir Tablet

What is it prescribed for?
HIV infection
HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus attacks the immune system of your body and affects your body’s disease-fighting ability. It can be transmitted through infected blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Vonavir Tablet is used in the treatment of this condition.

When not to use?

Allergy
Avoid taking Vonavir Tablet if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Severe liver disease
Vonavir Tablet is not recommended for use if you have severe liver problems, as this medicine may cause liver toxicity and further worsen your condition.
Voriconazole
Voriconazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal infections. Voriconazole may increase the blood concentration of Vonavir Tablet, which may increase the risk of frequent and severe side effects. Hence, combined use of Vonavir Tablet and Voriconazole is not recommended.
Elbasvir/Grazoprevir
Elbasvir/Grazoprevir are antiviral medicines used in the treatment of hepatitis C (a viral infection that causes swelling of the liver). Vonavir Tablet may decrease the blood concentration of Elbasvir/Grazoprevir, resulting in the loss of its therapeutic effect. Hence, the combined use of Vonavir Tablet and Elbasvir/Grazoprevir is not recommended.

Warnings

Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Vonavir Tablet is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it can harm your developing foetus. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Vonavir Tablet is recommended for use while breastfeeding. Hence, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Immune reconstitution syndrome
Changes in your immune system can occur when you start taking Vonavir Tablet. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. It may cause an exaggerated response making the symptoms of infection worse. Inform your doctor if you develop any new symptoms after starting treatment with Vonavir Tablet.
Fat redistribution
Vonavir Tablet should be used with caution as it may cause redistribution or accumulation of body fat. It may result in central obesity, buffalo hump (excess fat behind the neck), peripheral wasting (difficulty in moving an arm or leg or making any movement), facial wasting (fat loss in the cheeks and temples), breast enlargement, and cushingoid appearance (extra fat build up on the sides of the face and weight gain). Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Lactic acidosis
Lactic acidosis is a build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream. Vonavir Tablet should be used with caution due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis. Report any unusual symptoms like muscle cramps, unusual weakness or tiredness, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, fast or abnormal heartbeat, etc., to your doctor immediately.
Decreased bone mineral density
Vonavir Tablet should be used with caution as it may cause a decrease in bone mineral density (amount of bone mineral in your bones).
Driving or operating machines
Vonavir Tablet may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired concentration. Hence, avoid performing activities that require mental alertness such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience such symptoms.

Dosage

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose of Vonavir Tablet as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose of Vonavir Tablet. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose for further guidance.

Interactions

General Instructions
Take Vonavir Tablet as instructed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller quantities than recommended.

Avoid the discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor, as it can worsen your condition.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any change in mood or behaviour or develop suicidal thoughts.

Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function and lipid (fats) levels during treatment with this medicine.

Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines, as this medicine can make you feel dizzy or drowsy.

This medicine may cause redistribution and accumulation of body fat in different parts of your body, such as below your neck, upper back, breasts, or around the stomach. It may also cause loss of body fat from your legs, arms, and face. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.