Generic Truvada (Tenofovir + Emtricitabine)
Same active ingredient — tenofovir + emtricitabine — as Truvada®, at a substantially lower price. Produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The same active ingredient, without the originator price
Generic tenofovir + emtricitabine is the equivalent of branded Truvada® — not a different medicine, and not a “knockoff.”
Any switch between brand and generic should be discussed with your prescribing doctor. Reference prices are indicative public list prices and vary by market.
Available generic tenofovir + emtricitabine options
Every option contains tenofovir + emtricitabine and requires a valid prescription. Grouped by strength.
Availability varies by destination. All options are dispatched after pharmacist review of your prescription.
What Truvada® typically costs — and the generic alternative
Typical branded reference prices by market, next to our generic tenofovir + emtricitabine price.
| Market | Branded Truvada® — reference price | Generic tenofovir + emtricitabine — OnlineMeds |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~$2,000 / month (brand) branded list price |
|
| United Kingdom | ~£350 / month (brand) branded list price |
|
| Australia | ~A$ subsidised / month branded list price |
Reference prices are indicative public list prices for the originator brand. Prices vary by destination & quantity — not a promised discount.
Tenofovir + Emtricitabine, explained simply
Written and reviewed by our pharmacist team. Informational only — your doctor directs your treatment.
Tenofovir disoproxil with emtricitabine is the active combination in Truvada®, used for HIV-1 treatment and for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Generic versions contain the same active ingredients at the same strengths and are produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, typically far below the originator price. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Truvada® is the originator brand for the fixed-dose combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, developed by Gilead Sciences. It is prescribed both as part of combination therapy for HIV-1 and as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV-1 in at-risk adults. It is a prescription-only medicine.
Tenofovir and emtricitabine are nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They interfere with the reverse-transcriptase enzyme that HIV uses to copy itself. As PrEP, the combination is taken regularly as directed, alongside regular HIV testing and safer-sex measures, exactly as advised by your doctor.
This combination is prescribed for adults living with HIV-1 (as part of combination therapy) and for HIV-negative adults at risk of HIV who are suitable for PrEP, as determined by a doctor with appropriate testing.
The combination is usually taken as one tablet once daily, with or without food, at about the same time each day. For HIV treatment it is always combined with other antiretrovirals; for PrEP it is taken on an ongoing schedule alongside regular HIV testing and follow-up. Consistent daily dosing is important for it to work as intended.
Never change your dose on your own.
Reported side effects may include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and tiredness, which often ease over time. Longer-term monitoring of kidney function and bone health is recommended, and anyone using it for PrEP must be confirmed HIV-negative beforehand and tested regularly, as your doctor will arrange.
Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. This is not a complete list — see the patient information leaflet.
Store as directed on the patient information leaflet, usually at room temperature away from moisture and out of reach of children. Always follow the storage guidance supplied with your medicine.
Truvada® vs generic tenofovir + emtricitabine
| Attribute | Truvada® (brand) | Generic tenofovir + emtricitabine |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Tenofovir DF + Emtricitabine | Tenofovir DF + Emtricitabine Same |
| Strengths | 300 mg / 200 mg | 300 mg / 200 mg Same |
| Dosage form | Tablet | Tablet Same |
| Originator | Gilead Sciences | licensed pharmaceutical manufacturer |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes Same |
| Typical cash price | ~$2,000 / month (brand) (United States reference) | |
| Availability | National pharmacies & insurance coverage | Ships worldwide from OnlineMeds — Rx required |
Equivalence refers to the active ingredient, strength, and form. Discuss any switch with your prescribing doctor.
A pharmacy, not a marketplace
Every order is sourced, checked, and dispatched by our own licensed pharmacy team.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about equivalence, prescriptions, legality, and delivery. Tap a question to expand.
Is generic tenofovir/emtricitabine the same as Truvada?
Can this be used for PrEP?
Do I need a prescription?
How much can I save with the generic?
Is it legal to import HIV medicine for personal use?
Is the packaging discreet?
Our clinical team reviews OnlineMeds access content for accuracy of equivalence, sourcing, and safety wording — not individual treatment advice.
Informational only. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Consult a healthcare professional before use.