Emtricitabine and tenofovir and Mega-C

• Generic Name: emtricitabine / tenofovir
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic, Descovy, Truvada

Emtricitabine and tenofovir are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). emtricitabine and tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but it can be used to treat HIV in adults and children who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 17 kilograms (37 pounds).

Emtricitabine and tenofovir is also used in children who weigh between 55 and 77 pounds (25 to 35 kilograms) and who take certain other HIV medications.

Truvada PrEP is used together with safer-sex practices to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. You must be HIV-negative and an adult to use Truvada PrEP for this purpose.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: ascorbic acid
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Acerola, Ascorbic Acid Quick Melts, C/Rose Hips, Cecon, Cemill 500, C-Time, Ester-C, N Ice with Vitamin C, Sunkist Vitamin C, Vasoflex HD, Vicks Vitamin C Drops, Vitamin C, Cenolate, Mega-C-Acid Plus, Cee-500, C-500-Gr, Centrum Singles-Vitamin C, Ascot, Cevi-Bid, Vitamin C TR, Vitamin C with Rose Hips, Cemill 1000, Ascor L NC, Ascor, Ascor L 500, Betac, Cemill, Protexin

Vitamins are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in small amounts only and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is necessary for wound healing. It is needed for many functions in the body, including helping the body use carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Vitamin C also strengthens blood vessel walls.

Lack of vitamin C can lead to a condition called scurvy, which causes muscle weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, loss of teeth, and bleeding under the skin, as well as tiredness and depression. Wounds also do not heal easily. Your health care professional may treat scurvy by prescribing vitamin C for you.

Some conditions may increase your need for vitamin C. These include:

• AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
• Alcoholism
• Burns
• Cancer
• Diarrhea (prolonged)
• Fever (prolonged)
• Infection (prolonged)
• Intestinal diseases
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Stomach ulcer
• Stress (continuing)
• Surgical removal of stomach
• Tuberculosis

Also, the following groups of people may have a deficiency of vitamin C:

• Infants receiving unfortified formulas
• Smokers
• Patients using an artificial kidney (on hemodialysis)
• Patients who undergo surgery
• Individuals who are exposed to long periods of cold temperatures

Increased need for vitamin C should be determined by your health care professional.

Vitamin C may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care professional.

Claims that vitamin C is effective for preventing senility and the common cold, and for treating asthma, some mental problems, cancer, hardening of the arteries, allergies, eye ulcers, blood clots, gum disease, and pressure sores have not been proven. Although vitamin C is being used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, there is not enough information to show that these uses are effective.

Injectable vitamin C is given by or under the supervision of a health care professional. Other forms of vitamin C are available without a prescription.