What is TAFFIC?
TAFFIC contains a combination of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.
TAFFIC is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
TAFFIC is for use in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds (25 kilograms).
TAFFIC is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Important Information
TAFFIC may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Too much lactic acid is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using TAFFIC. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use TAFFIC if you are allergic to antiviral medicines that contain emtricitabine or tenofovir (such as Atripla, Complera, Emtriva, Descovy, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, or Truvada).
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with TAFFIC. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you also use:
- dofetilide
- rifampin
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease (especially cirrhosis or hepatitis B)
- kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines to control your infection. Your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of TAFFIC on the baby.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.
How should I take TAFFIC?
Take TAFFIC exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
TAFFIC is a complete regimen and is not for use with other antiviral medications.
You may take TAFFIC with or without food. If you take a multivitamin or mineral supplement that contains iron or calcium, take it with food at the same time you take TAFFICy.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Store in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse in the months after you stop using TAFFIC. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose.
TAFFIC dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for HIV Infection:
1 tablet orally once a day
Use: As a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients with no antiretroviral treatment history or to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in patients virologically-suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least 3 months with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to the individual components of this drug
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What should I avoid while taking TAFFIC?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
TAFFIC side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to TAFFIC: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
- lactic acidosis - muscle pain or weakness, numbness or cold feeling, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired; or
- liver problems - swelling around your midsection, upper stomach pain, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
TAFFIC affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:
- signs of a new infection - fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
- trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
- swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.
Common TAFFIC side effects may include:
- nausea, diarrhea
- headache.
What other drugs will affect TAFFIC?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Certain antacids, laxatives, or buffered medicines can make TAFFIC much less effective when taken at the same time. Take your dose on an empty stomach, 2 hours before you take any of these other medicines.
Many drugs can interact with bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Disclaimer:The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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