Complera (Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate)

Complera contains 3 medicines, Emtriva (emtricitabine), Edurant (rilpivirine) and Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [tenofovir DF]), combined in one pill. Complera is used as a complete regimen to treat people with HIV infection. Complera helps block HIV reverse transcriptase, a chemical in your body (enzyme) that is needed for HIV to multiply. Complera lowers the amount of HIV in the blood which in turn lowers the chance of infections that happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). Complera may also help to increase the number of T cells (CD4+ cells), which help fight against HIV infection. Complera does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. People taking Complera may still get opportunistic infections (infections that develop because the immune system is weak) or other conditions that happen with HIV infection. Complera is for adults age 18 and older. Complera has not been studied in children under age 18 or in adults over age 65. Always take Complera with food. It is very important that you see your doctor regularly while taking Complera. Complera does not reduce the risk of passing HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Continue to practice safe sex by using latex or polyurethane condom or other barrier to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions or blood and do not use or share needles.

Manufacturer Information

The common side effects of Complera may include abdominal pain, depression, headache, rash, sleeping problems, nausea, dizziness, allergic reaction (including skin rash, redness, irritation, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing), indigestion, diarrhea, skin discoloration, pain, weakness, decreased appetite, increased weight and fatigue.

Severe skin and allergic reactions have been reported with Complera. If you develop a rash and any of the following symptoms, stop taking Complera and contact your doctor right away:

• blisters, mouth sores, fever;

• difficulty breathing;

• increased eosinophils (type of white blood cells) in the blood with symptoms such as reddened skin, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes;

• liver problems with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice);

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth or throat, eyes (pink eye), hands or feet

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.

Do not take Complera if you are already taking medicines to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures, antimycobacterials, glucocorticoids, herbal products, medicines to treat stomach ulcers, heart burn or acid reflux disease, other medications that may affect your kidneys. Do not take Complera if you have or are at known risk for any type of bone disease or bone related problems, are allergic to Complera or any of its ingredients, are already taking medicines that contain the same or similar active ingredients, are also taking Hepsera to treat your HBV infection, are already taking Edurant unless recommended by your doctor and you are taking rifabutin with Complera. Before you use Complera, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have an eating disorder or are following a strict diet, have any drug allergies, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, have a heart disease, have other medical conditions especially liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, inflammation of the pancreas, bone related problems, have kidney problems, depression, are taking other medicines including prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal products and dietary supplements.

Drugs that may affect your kidneys should not be taken with Complera. Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines such as narcotic analgesics, medicines used to treat bacterial infections, medicines used to treat hepatitis C, medicines used to treat inflammation or asthma, medicines used to treat stomach ulcers or used to relieve heartburn from acid reflux.

Blog Post