What is Complera? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Complera

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Try not to miss any doses.

• Always take this medicine with food.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is low so you do not run out.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Store the medicine in the original bottle at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

• Missed dose: Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is low so you do not run out.

• Store the medicine in the original bottle at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

• Always take this medicine with food.

• Missed dose: Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Try not to miss any doses.

What to do if you miss a dose of Complera

Complera contraindications - Who shouldn't take Complera?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to emtricitabine, rilpivirine, or tenofovir.

Complera warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have kidney problems, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), bone problems (including osteoporosis), or a history of depression.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Lactic acidosisSevere liver problemsDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heartKidney problemsDepression, unusual thoughts or behaviorIncreased risk of broken bones

• Your immune system may get stronger when you take HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Complera interactions & what to avoid when taking Complera

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using St John's wort, dexamethasone, a seizure medicine (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), medicine to treat tuberculosis (including rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine), or stomach medicine (including dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole).

• Many other drugs can interact with emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

• If you take antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, take the antacid at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.

• If you take a stomach medicine for heartburn or ulcers (including cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine), take the heartburn medicine at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.