Prescribing-label excerpts
Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Reference for: Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Disoproxil. Source presentation: tablet. Source route: oral.
Mechanism of action
Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a fixed-dose combination of antiviral drugs FTC and TDF [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Pharmacokinetics
Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: One emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was comparable to one FTC capsule (200 mg) plus one TDF tablet (300 mg) following single-dose administration to fasting healthy subjects (N=39).
Emtricitabine: The pharmacokinetic properties of FTC are summarized in Table 8. Following oral administration of FTC, FTC is rapidly absorbed with peak plasma concentrations occurring at 1–2 hours postdose. Less than 4% of FTC binds to human plasma proteins in vitro, and the binding is independent of concentration over the range of 0.02–200 μg/mL. Following administration of radiolabelled FTC, approximately 86% is recovered in the urine and 13% is recovered as metabolites. The metabolites of FTC include 3′-sulfoxide diastereomers and their glucuronic acid conjugate. Emtricitabine is eliminated by a combination of glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. Following a single oral dose of FTC, the plasma FTC half-life is approximately 10 hours.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: The pharmacokinetic properties of TDF are summarized in Table 8. Following oral administration of TDF, maximum tenofovir serum concentrations are achieved in 1.0 ± 0.4 hour. Less than 0.7% of tenofovir binds to human plasma proteins in vitro, and the binding is independent of concentration over the range of 0.01–25 µg/mL. Approximately 70–80% of the intravenous dose of tenofovir is recovered as unchanged drug in the urine. Tenofovir is eliminated by a combination of glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. Following a single oral dose of TDF, the terminal elimination half-life of tenofovir is approximately 17 hours.
Effects of Food on Oral Absorption — Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may be administered with or without food. Administration of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate following a high fat meal (784 kcal; 49 grams of fat) or a light meal (373 kcal; 8 grams of fat) delayed the time of tenofovir Cmax by approximately 0.75 hour. The mean increases in tenofovir AUC and Cmax were approximately 35% and 15%, respectively, when administered with a high fat or light meal, compared to administration in the fasted state. In previous safety and efficacy trials, TDF (tenofovir) was taken under fed conditions. FTC systemic exposures (AUC and Cmax) were unaffected when emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was administered with either a high fat or a light meal.
Race — Emtricitabine: No pharmacokinetic differences due to race have been identified following the administration of FTC.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: There were insufficient numbers from racial and ethnic groups other than Caucasian to adequately determine potential pharmacokinetic differences among these populations following the administration of TDF.
Gender — Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: FTC and tenofovir pharmacokinetics are similar in male and female subjects.
Pediatric Patients — Treatment of HIV-1 Infection: The pharmacokinetic data for tenofovir and FTC following administration of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in pediatric subjects weighing 17 kg and above are not available. The dosage recommendations of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in this population are based on the dosage recommendations of FTC and TDF in this population. Refer to the EMTRIVA and VIREAD prescribing information for pharmacokinetic information on the individual products in pediatric patients.
HIV-1 PrEP: The pharmacokinetic data for tenofovir and FTC following administration of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in HIV-1 uninfected adolescents weighing 35 kg and above are not available. The dosage recommendations of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HIV-1 PrEP in this population are based on safety and adherence data from the ATN113 trial [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] and known pharmacokinetic information in HIV-infected adolescents taking TDF and FTC for treatment.
Geriatric Patients — Pharmacokinetics of FTC and tenofovir have not been fully evaluated in the elderly (65 years of age and older).
Selected passages from the cited U.S. prescribing label. The studies concern the source product and populations named in each passage; they do not establish Walter-product bioequivalence, an approved indication, or the kinetics of another fixed combination. Tables and the full prescribing information remain available in the source.
Source: DailyMed: Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate — tablet
Reference accessed . Label revision: 2026-01-08.
