Truvada

 Treatment of HIV-1 Infection

TRUVADA is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg [see Clinical Studies (14)].

 HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

         TRUVADA is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection. Individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test immediately prior to initiating TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].         

 Testing Prior to Initiation of TRUVADA for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection or for HIV-1 PrEP

Prior to or when initiating TRUVADA, test individuals for hepatitis B virus infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Prior to initiation, and during use of TRUVADA, on a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all individuals. In individuals with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

 HIV-1 Screening for Individuals Receiving TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP

         Screen all individuals for HIV-1 infection immediately prior to initiating TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP and at least once every 3 months while taking TRUVADA, and upon diagnosis of any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [see Indications and Usage (1.2), Contraindications (4), and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

         If recent (<1 month) exposures to HIV-1 are suspected or clinical symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection are present, use a test approved or cleared by the FDA as an aid in the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4), and Clinical Studies (14.3 and 14.4)].

 Recommended Dosage for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Adults and Pediatric Patients Weighing at Least 35 kg

TRUVADA is a two-drug fixed dose combination product containing emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). The recommended dosage of TRUVADA in adults and in pediatric patients weighing at least 35 kg is one tablet (containing 200 mg of FTC and 300 mg of TDF) once daily taken orally with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

 Recommended Dosage for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Pediatric Patients Weighing at Least 17 kg and Able to Swallow a Tablet

The recommended oral dosage of TRUVADA for pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg and who can swallow a tablet is presented in Table 1. Tablets should be taken once daily with or without food. Weight should be monitored periodically and the TRUVADA dose adjusted accordingly.

 Recommended Dosage for HIV-1 PrEP in Adults and Adolescents Weighing at Least 35 kg

The dosage of TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP is one tablet (containing 200 mg of FTC and 300 mg of TDF) once daily taken orally with or without food in HIV-1 uninfected adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

 Dosage Adjustment in Individuals with Renal Impairment

Pregnancy

Lactation

Pediatric Use

Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of FTC, TDF, or TRUVADA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Renal Impairment

 Severe Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B in Individuals with HBV Infection

All individuals should be tested for the presence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) before or when initiating TRUVADA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (e.g., liver decompensation and liver failure) have been reported in HBV-infected individuals who have discontinued TRUVADA. Individuals infected with HBV who discontinue TRUVADA should be closely monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping treatment. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted, especially in individuals with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, since posttreatment exacerbation of hepatitis may lead to hepatic decompensation and liver failure. HBV-uninfected individuals should be offered vaccination.

 Comprehensive Management to Reduce the Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Including HIV-1, and Development of HIV-1 Resistance When TRUVADA Is Used for HIV-1 PrEP

         Use TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy that includes other prevention measures, including adherence to daily administration and safer sex practices, including condoms, to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The time from initiation of TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP to maximal protection against HIV-1 infection is unknown.

         Risk for HIV-1 acquisition includes behavioral, biological, or epidemiologic factors including but not limited to condomless sex, past or current STIs, self-identified HIV risk, having sexual partners of unknown HIV-1 viremic status, or sexual activity in a high prevalence area or network.         

         Counsel individuals on the use of other prevention measures (e.g., consistent and correct condom use, knowledge of partner(s)' HIV-1 status, including viral suppression status, regular testing for STIs that can facilitate HIV-1 transmission). Inform uninfected individuals about and support their efforts in reducing sexual risk behavior.         

         Use TRUVADA to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV-1 only in individuals confirmed to be HIV-negative. HIV-1 resistance substitutions may emerge in individuals with undetected HIV-1 infection who are taking only TRUVADA, because TRUVADA alone does not constitute a complete regimen for HIV-1 treatment [see Microbiology (12.4)]; therefore, care should be taken to minimize the risk of initiating or continuing TRUVADA before confirming the individual is HIV-1 negative.         

•           Some HIV-1 tests only detect anti-HIV antibodies and may not identify HIV-1 during the acute stage of infection. Prior to initiating TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP, ask seronegative individuals about recent (in past month) potential exposure events (e.g., condomless sex or condom breaking during sex with a partner of unknown HIV-1 status or unknown viremic status, or a recent STI), and evaluate for current or recent signs or symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection (e.g., fever, fatigue, myalgia, skin rash).          
•           If recent (<1 month) exposures to HIV-1 are suspected or clinical symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection are present, use a test approved or cleared by the FDA as an aid in the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection.          

         While using TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP, HIV-1 testing should be repeated at least every 3 months, and upon diagnosis of any other STIs.         

•           If an HIV-1 test indicates possible HIV-1 infection, or if symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection develop following a potential exposure event, convert the HIV-1 PrEP regimen to an HIV treatment regimen until negative infection status is confirmed using a test approved or cleared by the FDA as an aid in the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection.          

         Counsel HIV-1 uninfected individuals to strictly adhere to the once daily TRUVADA dosing schedule. The effectiveness of TRUVADA in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV-1 is strongly correlated with adherence, as demonstrated by measurable drug levels in clinical trials of TRUVADA for HIV-1 PrEP. Some individuals, such as adolescents, may benefit from more frequent visits and counseling to support adherence [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4), Microbiology (12.4), and Clinical Studies (14.3 and 14.4)].         

 New Onset or Worsening Renal Impairment

Emtricitabine and tenofovir are principally eliminated by the kidney. Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome (renal tubular injury with severe hypophosphatemia), has been reported with the use of TDF, a component of TRUVADA [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Prior to initiation and during use of TRUVADA, on a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all individuals. In individuals with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus.

TRUVADA should be avoided with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent (e.g., high-dose or multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Cases of acute renal failure after initiation of high-dose or multiple NSAIDs have been reported in HIV-infected patients with risk factors for renal dysfunction who appeared stable on TDF. Some patients required hospitalization and renal replacement therapy. Alternatives to NSAIDs should be considered, if needed, in patients at risk for renal dysfunction.

Persistent or worsening bone pain, pain in extremities, fractures, and/or muscular pain or weakness may be manifestations of proximal renal tubulopathy and should prompt an evaluation of renal function in individuals at risk of renal dysfunction.

 Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in HIV-1 infected patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including TRUVADA. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, HIV-1 infected patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

         Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.         

 Bone Loss and Mineralization Defects

 Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis

Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including FTC and TDF, components of TRUVADA, alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals. Treatment with TRUVADA should be suspended in any individual who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity (which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked transaminase elevations).

  Risk of Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of TRUVADA and other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to possible clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of concomitant drugs [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

See Table 7 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during therapy with TRUVADA; review concomitant medications during therapy with TRUVADA; and monitor for adverse reactions associated with the concomitant drugs.

 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of TDF. No additional adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of FTC. Because postmarketing reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Immune System Disorders
allergic reaction, including angioedema

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders
lactic acidosis, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia

Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders
dyspnea

Gastrointestinal Disorders
pancreatitis, increased amylase, abdominal pain

Hepatobiliary Disorders
hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, increased liver enzymes (most commonly AST, ALT gamma GT)

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
rash

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
rhabdomyolysis, osteomalacia (manifested as bone pain and which may contribute to fractures), muscular weakness, myopathy

Renal and Urinary Disorders
acute renal failure, renal failure, acute tubular necrosis, Fanconi syndrome, proximal renal tubulopathy, interstitial nephritis (including acute cases), nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, renal insufficiency, increased creatinine, proteinuria, polyuria

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
asthenia

The following adverse reactions, listed under the body system headings above, may occur as a consequence of proximal renal tubulopathy: rhabdomyolysis, osteomalacia, hypokalemia, muscular weakness, myopathy, hypophosphatemia.

 Drugs Affecting Renal Function

FTC and tenofovir are primarily excreted by the kidneys by a combination of glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. No drug-drug interactions due to competition for renal excretion have been observed; however, coadministration of TRUVADA with drugs that are eliminated by active tubular secretion may increase concentrations of FTC, tenofovir, and/or the coadministered drug. Some examples include, but are not limited to, acyclovir, adefovir dipivoxil, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin), and high-dose or multiple NSAIDs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Drugs that decrease renal function may increase concentrations of FTC and/or tenofovir.

 Established and Significant Interactions

Table 7 provides a listing of established or clinically significant drug interactions. The drug interactions described are based on studies conducted with either TRUVADA, the components of TRUVADA (FTC and TDF) as individual agents and/or in combination, or are predicted drug interactions that may occur with TRUVADA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Emtricitabine: The chemical name of FTC is 5-fluoro-1-(2R,5S)-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl]cytosine. FTC is the (-) enantiomer of a thio analog of cytidine, which differs from other cytidine analogs in that it has a fluorine in the 5-position.

It has a molecular formula of C8H10FN3O3S and a molecular weight of 247.24. It has the following structural formula:

FTC is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a solubility of approximately 112 mg/mL in water at 25 °C. The partition coefficient (log p) for emtricitabine is −0.43 and the pKa is 2.65.

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: TDF is a fumaric acid salt of the bis-isopropoxycarbonyloxymethyl ester derivative of tenofovir. The chemical name of tenofovir DF is 9-[(R)-2 [[bis[[(isopropoxycarbonyl)oxy]- methoxy]phosphinyl]methoxy]propyl]adenine fumarate (1:1). It has a molecular formula of C19H30N5O10P ∙ C4H4O4 and a molecular weight of 635.52. It has the following structural formula:

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a solubility of 13.4 mg/mL in water at 25 °C. The partition coefficient (log p) for tenofovir disoproxil is 1.25 and the pKa is 3.75. All dosages are expressed in terms of TDF except where otherwise noted.

TRUVADA tablets are for oral administration, and are available in the following strengths:

• Film-coated tablet containing 200 mg of FTC and 300 mg of TDF (which is equivalent to 245 mg of tenofovir disoproxil) as active ingredients
• Film-coated tablet containing 167 mg of FTC and 250 mg of TDF (which is equivalent to 204 mg of tenofovir disoproxil) as active ingredients
• Film-coated tablet containing 133 mg of FTC and 200 mg of TDF (which is equivalent to 163 mg of tenofovir disoproxil) as active ingredients
• Film-coated tablet containing 100 mg of FTC and 150 mg of TDF (which is equivalent to 123 mg of tenofovir disoproxil) as active ingredients

All strengths of TRUVADA tablets also include the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch (gluten free). The 200 mg/300 mg strength tablets are coated with Opadry II Blue Y-30-10701, which contains FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, hypromellose 2910, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. The 167 mg/250 mg, 133 mg/200 mg, and 100 mg/150 mg strength tablets are coated with Opadry II Blue, which contains FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, hypromellose 2910, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

Mechanism of Action

TRUVADA is a fixed-dose combination of antiviral drugs FTC and TDF [see Microbiology (12.4)].

Pharmacokinetics

Microbiology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Tenofovir and TDF administered in toxicology studies to rats, dogs, and monkeys at exposures (based on AUCs) greater than or equal to 6-fold those observed in humans caused bone toxicity. In monkeys the bone toxicity was diagnosed as osteomalacia. Osteomalacia observed in monkeys appeared to be reversible upon dose reduction or discontinuation of tenofovir. In rats and dogs, the bone toxicity manifested as reduced bone mineral density. The mechanism(s) underlying bone toxicity is unknown.

Evidence of renal toxicity was noted in four animal species. Increases in serum creatinine, BUN, glycosuria, proteinuria, phosphaturia, and/or calciuria and decreases in serum phosphate were observed to varying degrees in these animals. These toxicities were noted at exposures (based on AUCs) 2–20 times higher than those observed in humans. The relationship of the renal abnormalities, particularly the phosphaturia, to the bone toxicity is not known.

 Overview of Clinical Trials

The efficacy and safety of TRUVADA have been evaluated in the studies summarized in Table 13.

 Clinical Trial Results for Treatment of HIV-1: Study 934

Data through 144 weeks are reported for Study 934, a randomized, open-label, active-controlled multicenter trial comparing FTC+TDF administered in combination with efavirenz (EFV) versus zidovudine (AZT)/lamivudine (3TC) fixed-dose combination administered in combination with EFV in 511 antiretroviral-naïve adult subjects. From Weeks 96 to 144 of the trial, subjects received TRUVADA with EFV in place of FTC+TDF with EFV. Subjects had a mean age of 38 years (range 18–80); 86% were male, 59% were Caucasian, and 23% were Black. The mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 245 cells/mm3 (range 2–1,191) and median baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 5.01 log10 copies/mL (range 3.56–6.54). Subjects were stratified by baseline CD4+ cell count (< or ≥200 cells/mm3); 41% had CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/mm3 and 51% of subjects had baseline viral loads >100,000 copies/mL. Treatment outcomes through 48 and 144 weeks for those subjects who did not have EFV resistance at baseline are presented in Table 14.

Through Week 48, 84% and 73% of subjects in the FTC+TDF group and the AZT/3TC group, respectively, achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL (71% and 58% through Week 144). The difference in the proportion of subjects who achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL through 48 weeks is largely due to the higher number of discontinuations due to adverse events and other reasons in the AZT/3TC group in this open-label trial. In addition, 80% and 70% of subjects in the FTC+TDF group and the AZT/3TC group, respectively, achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL through Week 48 (64% and 56% through Week 144). The mean increase from baseline in CD4+ cell count was 190 cells/mm3 in the FTC+TDF group and 158 cells/mm3 in the AZT/3TC group at Week 48 (312 and 271 cells/mm3 at Week 144).

Through 48 weeks, 7 subjects in the FTC+TDF group and 5 subjects in the AZT/3TC group experienced a new CDC Class C event (10 and 6 subjects through 144 weeks).

 Clinical Trial Results for HIV-1 PrEP: iPrEx

The iPrEx trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multinational study evaluating TRUVADA in 2,499 HIV-seronegative men or transgender women who have sex with men and with evidence of high-risk behavior for HIV-1 infection. Evidence of high-risk behavior included any one of the following reported to have occurred up to six months prior to study screening: no condom use during anal intercourse with an HIV-1 positive partner or a partner of unknown HIV status; anal intercourse with more than 3 sex partners; exchange of money, gifts, shelter, or drugs for anal sex; sex with male partner and diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection; no consistent use of condoms with sex partner known to be HIV-1 positive.

All subjects received monthly HIV-1 testing, risk-reduction counseling, condoms, and management of sexually transmitted infections. Of the 2,499 enrolled subjects, 1,251 received TRUVADA and 1,248 received placebo. The mean age of subjects was 27 years; 5% were Asian, 9% Black, 18% White, and 72% Hispanic/Latino.

Subjects were followed for 4,237 person-years. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of documented HIV seroconversion. At the end of treatment, emergent HIV-1 seroconversion was observed in 131 subjects, of which 48 occurred in the TRUVADA group and 83 occurred in the placebo group, indicating a 42% (95% CI: 18–60%) reduction in risk. Risk reduction was found to be higher (53%; 95% CI: 34–72%) among subjects who reported previous unprotected anal intercourse (URAI) at screening (732 and 753 subjects reported URAI within the last 12 weeks at screening in the TRUVADA and placebo groups, respectively). In a post-hoc case control study of plasma and intracellular drug levels in about 10% of study subjects, risk reduction appeared to be greatest in subjects with detectable intracellular tenofovir diphosphate concentrations. Efficacy was therefore strongly correlated with adherence.

 Clinical Trial Results for HIV-1 PrEP: Partners PrEP

The Partners PrEP trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-arm trial conducted in 4,758 HIV-1 serodiscordant heterosexual couples in Kenya and Uganda to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDF (N=1,589) and FTC/TDF (N=1,583) versus (parallel comparison) placebo (N=1,586) in preventing HIV-1 acquisition by the uninfected partner.

All uninfected partner subjects received monthly HIV-1 testing, evaluation of adherence, assessment of sexual behavior, and safety evaluations. Women were also tested monthly for pregnancy. Women who became pregnant during the trial had study drug interrupted for the duration of the pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The uninfected partner subjects were predominantly male (61–64% across study drug groups) and had a mean age of 33–34 years.

Following 7,827 person-years of follow-up, 82 emergent HIV-1 seroconversions were reported, with an overall observed seroincidence rate of 1.05 per 100 person-years. Of the 82 seroconversions, 13 and 52 occurred in partner subjects randomized to TRUVADA and placebo, respectively. Two of the 13 seroconversions in the TRUVADA arm and 3 of the 52 seroconversions in the placebo arm occurred in women during treatment interruptions for pregnancy. The risk reduction for TRUVADA relative to placebo was 75% (95% CI: 55–87%). In a post-hoc case control study of plasma drug levels in about 10% of study subjects, risk reduction appeared to be greatest in subjects with detectable plasma tenofovir concentrations. Efficacy was therefore strongly correlated with adherence.

Store at 25 °C (77 °F), excursions permitted to 15 °C–30 °C (59 °F–86 °F) (see USP Controlled Room Temperature).

• Keep container tightly closed.
• Dispense only in original container.