Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Comparator: Truvada

Truvada is a fixed-dose combination of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase to prevent viral replication.

Truvada is a fixed-dose combination of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase to prevent viral replication. Used for HIV-1 infection treatment in combination with other antiretroviral agents, Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1 prevention in high-risk individuals.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Truvada contains emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, which are nucleoside analogs that inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for converting HIV RNA into DNA. By blocking this enzyme, the drug prevents HIV from integrating into host cell DNA and establishing infection. It is used both as antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive individuals and as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in HIV-negative individuals at high risk.

Approved indications

• HIV-1 infection treatment in combination with other antiretroviral agents
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1 prevention in high-risk individuals

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Renal impairment (with long-term use)
• Bone density loss

Key clinical trials

• TAF/FTC for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers (CoviPrep Study) (PHASE3)
• WePrEP: Developing a PrEP Shared Decision-making Tool for Transgender Women (NA)
• Comparison of Doravirine, Tenofovir, Lamivudine (MK-1439A) and ATRIPLA™ in Treatment-Naive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1)-Infected Participants (MK-1439A-021) (PHASE3)
• Efficacy of Switching to DTG/3TC in Virologically-suppressed Adults Currently on B/F/TAF (PHASE4)
• Safety and Efficacy of Doravirine (MK-1439) in Participants With Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) (MK-1439-018) (PHASE3)
• Drug-Drug Interaction Study in Trans Women Living With HIV (PHASE4)
• Efficacy of Dolutegravir Plus Lamivudine in HIV-1-infected Treatment-naïve Adults Without a Baseline Genotyping Test (PHASE4)
• Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Reformulated Raltegravir (MK-0518) 1200 mg Once Daily in Combination With TRUVADA™ in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 Infected, Treatment-Naive Participants (MK-0518-292) (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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