Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis: a guide to its once-daily use in the EU

The fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) [Truvada®] is approved in the EU for pre-exposure prophylaxis, in conjunction with safer sex practices, to reduce the risk of sexually-acquired HIV-1 infection in adults at high risk. Once-daily administration of emtricitabine/tenofovir DF was effective in preventing HIV-1 infection in clinical trials in high-risk populations, including men who have sex with men, heterosexual HIV-1-serodiscordant couples, and heterosexual men and women. As adherence to the regimen correlates with the risk of HIV-1 infection, it is important that patient adhere to pre-exposure prophylaxis. Pre-exposure prophylaxis with the combination was generally well tolerated. © 2016, Springer International Publishing Switzerland.