Truvada

drug

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

Truvada is a medication used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection. It is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs: tenofovir and emtricitabine. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, Truvada is taken daily by individuals at high risk of HIV exposure.12

When taken consistently, Truvada is highly effective, reducing the risk of sexually acquired HIV infection by about 99% and by 74% for those sharing needles. The medication works by preventing HIV from entering and replicating within immune cells. While Truvada is safe and generally has minor side effects, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1

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Condoms, vaccines, gels, and other prevention methods
Truvada had been approved in 2004 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a combination therapy (used with other drugs) for HIV infection; in 2012, following further clinical investigation of its effectiveness for PrEP, it became the first drug to be approved by…
Read More
Truvada had been approved in 2004 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a combination therapy (used with other drugs) for HIV infection; in 2012, following further clinical investigation of its effectiveness for PrEP, it became the first drug to be approved by…
Read More