Taficita 200 mg / 25 mg Tablets: Complete Information on Dosage, Side Effects, and Uses

✅ Indications / Uses:

Taficita is primarily used in the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection:

1. Treatment of HIV-1 Infection
   • In combination with other antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents weighing ≥35 kg.
2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)(in some regions)
   • For high-risk individuals to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Taficita is not a cure for HIV, but it helps control the virus and improve quality of life.

💊 Dosage and Administration:

Standard Dose (Adults and Adolescents ≥35 kg):

• One tablet once daily, taken orally, with or without food.

Each tablet contains:

• Emtricitabine 200 mg
• Tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg

Special Populations:

• Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment if CrCl ≥30 mL/min.
• Hepatic Impairment: Use caution; not recommended for severe hepatic impairment without doctor consultation.

⚠️ Warnings and Precautions:

• Lactic Acidosis and Hepatomegaly: Rare but serious; monitor if symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or jaundice occur.
• HBV Reactivation: Patients co-infected with Hepatitis B may experience severe flares if Taficita is stopped.
• Renal Monitoring: Although safer than TDF, monitor kidney function periodically.
• Bone Density Loss: Less than with TDF, but still possible.
• Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (IRS): Temporary worsening of existing infections may occur.

❌ Contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to tenofovir alafenamide, emtricitabine, or any excipients.
• Do not use in patients with severe liver disease unless under specialist care.
• Not for HIV-negative individuals unless prescribed for PrEP.

🔄 Drug Interactions:

• Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): May reduce TAF levels.
• Rifampin / Rifabutin: Induces metabolism, may reduce efficacy.
• St. John’s Wort: Avoid — reduces TAF and FTC concentrations.
• Boosted Protease Inhibitors: Often co-administered, but require monitoring.

Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you’re taking.

🤰 Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Pregnancy: Generally safe; both components have been used in pregnancy with low risk of birth defects.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended in HIV-positive mothers due to risk of HIV transmission via breast milk, despite drug safety.

🔬 Monitoring Parameters:

• HIV viral load and CD4 count
• Renal function (Creatinine, eGFR)
• Liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
• Bone mineral density (if long-term use or fracture risk)
• HBV status (before initiation)

⚠️ Possible Side Effects:

Common:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Less Common but Serious:

• Lactic acidosis
• Liver dysfunction
• Renal impairment
• Bone thinning (osteopenia or osteoporosis)

🧊 Storage:

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C).
• Keep in original container, tightly closed.
• Protect from moisture and light.
• Keep out of reach of children.

📌 Patient Counseling Tips:

• Adhere to daily dosing — missing doses may lead to resistance.
• Do not stop medication without consulting your doctor.
• Get tested for Hepatitis B before starting.
• Use protection even if viral load is undetectable (especially in new relationships).
• Regular follow-up is crucial for monitoring efficacy and safety.