What is Truvada?

Truvada (teneofovir disoproxil fumarate) is an HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention medication,  prescribed in a fixed dose combination of two antiretroviral medications: tenofovir disoproxi and emtricitabine.

Truvada may be used alone or together with another antiretroviral medication. For prevention, Truvada is typically taken by mouth.

Truvada and other tenefovir based antiretroviral medications are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by preventing the HIV virus from replicating in the patient’s body. By preventing replication, it prevents the transmission and strengthens the immune system.

All HIV treatment medications work by trying to reduce the virus to untraceable levels, meaning the disease cannot be transmitted. According to researchers who conducted a Partners PrEP study, which stands for Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a treatment is considered effective if a patient who has been prescribed Truvada and other HIV antiretrovirals for at least six months is determined to have an untraceable amount of the virus.

Truvada is one of several HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention medications manufactured by Gilead Sciences, which have reportedly caused serious kidney damage in patients.

Does Truvada Cause Kidney Damage?

Gilead released earlier versions of Truvada and other tenofovir based medications, with the newer versions reportedly safer for patient use.

The newer version is called tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), which is reportedly less toxic for kidneys than its predecessor, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

According to a July 2018 Truvada lawsuit, the older version of these medications had low bioavailability, meaning the drugs were not easily assimilated into the body. Due to this alleged design defect, these medications had to be “ingested at high doses in order to provide the promised antiviral effect.”

The excess tenofovir was absorbed into the bones and kidneys of patients already fighting HIV or AIDS.

While the newer tenofovir is touted as having better bioavailability, Gilead Sciences has still faced major backlash for the kidney damage allegations.

What are the Side Effects of Truvada Kidney Damage?

Patients who are prescribed Truvada or other tenofovir medications should be on the lookout for of unusual signs or symptoms after starting the medication. Symptoms of HIV treatment include but are not limited to:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Rash

The risk of many of these side effects is low, and they typically go away with time. However, some HIV treatment medications like Truvada have been indicated to cause complications with kidney or liver function. The side effects of kidney damage include, but are not limited to:

• Frequent Urination
• Swollen Ankles or Feet
• Fatigue
• Nausea and Vomiting

It is important to note that most patients do not typically experience any symptoms during early stage kidney failure.

The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the bloodstream, which is then expelled through urination. The kidneys also release hormones that help regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production, and also help the body absorb calcium.

Patients should report any concerns to their doctor to prevent kidney failure or other long term health complications.

What are Other Serious Truvada Complications?

• Bone Mineral Density Loss
• Bone Necrosis (bone death)
• Bone Fracture
• Osteopenia
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney Toxicity
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Kidney Failure