Atripla Uses

While Atripla uses are primarily for the treatment of HIV and AIDS, the medication can also be used off-label to prevent HIV infection in people exposed to the virus (such as a healthcare worker who comes in contact with a contaminated needle stick). Atripla can either be used alone or with other HIV medications. There are currently no Atripla uses approved for children.

 

Atripla Uses: An Overview

Atripla™ (efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. It contains three different drugs from three different classes of HIV medications.
 
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was initially reported in the United States in 1981. Since then, it has become a significant worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initially, an HIV infection usually does not cause any obvious symptoms (see HIV Symptoms). However, by killing or damaging cells of the immune system, HIV will eventually begin to progressively destroy the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers (see AIDS Symptoms).
 
HIV is commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. Transmission also happens through contact with infected blood, which frequently occurs among IV drug users (who share needles or syringes contaminated with blood from someone infected with the virus). Women with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
 
Because Atripla contains three different medications, it can be used alone to treat HIV or AIDS, although it can also be combined with other medications.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;