What is Stribild (Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine) prescribed for?

HIV is a virus that lives in human blood, sexual fluids, andbreast milk. It weakens your immune system. Therefore your body then has a rather difficult time in fighting off common germs, virusus, fungi, and other invaders. If is known to spread mainly through sexual contact and sharing needles.

This medication is used to help control the HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in our body so your immune system can function better. This in turn, lowers the chances of getting HIV complications such as new infections and cancer, and it overall improves your quality of life.

This product contains 4 different medications: elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Elvitegravir is known as an integrase inhibitor. Cobicistat helps elvitegravir work better. Emtricitabine is called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, while tenofovir is called a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor; they are often called NRTIs.

It is very important to take this medical exactly as prescribed to you. Do not skip on any doses. Do exactly as your doctor directs.

This medication is taken by mouth, usually once a day. If you take any antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after use of this medication. For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, or tenofovir; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

You should also let your doctor know of all of your medical history. Especially if you have ever dealt with any of these experiences in the past; pancreatitis, liver problems (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis), alcohol use, bone problems (such as bone disease, bone loss/osteoporosis, weak/broken bones), kidney disease.

While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Diarrhea, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, back pain, or change in the color of skin on your palms or soles of your feet may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.

As your immune system gets stronger, it can begin to fight off infections you already had, possibly causing disease symptoms to come back. You could also have symptoms if your immune system becomes overactive. This reaction may happen at any time (soon after starting HIV treatment or many months later). Get medical help right away if you have any serious symptoms, including: unexplained weight loss, severe tiredness, muscle aches/weakness that doesn't go away, headaches that are severe or don't go away, joint pain, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs, vision changes, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores), signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, unusual growth in the neck/thyroid known as a goiter), signs of a certain nerve problem known as Guillain-Barre syndrome (such as trouble breathing/swallowing/moving your eyes, drooping face, paralysis, trouble speaking).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody urine).

Rarely, this medication can cause severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood problems (lactic acidosis). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine) or lactic acidosis (such as deep/rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea/vomiting, unusual weakness).

Tenofovir may increase the risk of bone loss. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor, as well as the possible use of calcium and vitamin D to reduce this side effect. If you are at risk for bone loss, your doctor may monitor your bone mineral density. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following serious side effects occur: bone pain, easily broken bones.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What is Stribild used for?

This medication is used to aid in controlling an HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV you may have in your body, which in turn helps your immune system to function at a better pace.  It also lowers your chances of gaining new infections or cancer, and will overall improve your quality of life. This drug contains four different medications within it: Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir. Elvitegravir is an integrase inhibitor, and Cobicistat helps Elvitegravir function at its best. Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are called “nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors”.  They are more commonly referred to as NRTIs. This medication only comes in the singular strength which is 150mg/150mg/200mg/300mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.     

How much does Stribild cost?

Stribild is part of Tier 5 of Medicare’s formulary. This means most drugs on Tier 5 are considered as “non-preferred brand-name drugs”, and are by far, more expensive than any of the drugs on the Tiers below it. However, you can find a much more affordable option on an online Canadian Pharmacy such as My Drug Center.

What are the side effects of Stribild?

Some of the more common side effects to this medication are listed as follows; yellowing skin or eyes, diarrhea, gas, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, rash, bone problems, changes in fat like a increased amount of fat in the head and neck, changes in the immune system that can lead to a condition called immune reconstitution syndrome, buildup of acid in the blood, serious liver problems, and worsening Hepatitis B infection. Keep in mind that these are not all of the side effects listed for this medication, and if you are experiencing any of these be sure to inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.