Telura (Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Efavirenz 300mg/300mg/600mg) Tablets

Telura general information

What is Telura used for?

Telura tablets are a combination of three antiretroviral medications used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Telura is not a cure for HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is used in patients with a body weight of 40 Kg (88 pounds) or more. Telura tablets work by slowing down or preventing the ability of HIV to replicate and spread. Lowering virus levels allows the immune system to recover and helps prevent progression of the disease.

How does Telura work?

Telura tablets contain tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg, lamivudine 300mg and efavirenz 600mg, a combination of three antiretroviral drugs, which are only effective against RNA viruses (retroviruses) such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). 
Working in combination, these three medicines work by inhibiting the action of the viral-specific enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT) necessary for vital replication. 

The combined action of the three antiretroviral drugs in Telura tablets prevents the integration of the virus into the DNA of the infected T-helper cell (white blood cells), which inhibits the replication of HIV to reduce the viral load. While Telura tablets slow down the replication of human immunodeficiency virus within the body it does not kill the virus in affected T-helper cells.

What does Telura contain?

Telura tablets contain tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg, lamivudine 300mg and efavirenz 600mg, a combination of three antiretroviral drugs used to inhibit the replication of HIV.

Treating HIV infection with Telura

HIV severely compromises the body’s immune system by attacking T-helper cells, also known as CD4+ or white blood cells. If T-helper cells are depleted as a result of HIV infection, then the body’s ability to fight a wide range of infections is severely weakened. Early signs of HIV infection may include fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhoea, night sweats and achy muscles or joints.

The late stage of HIV infection is known as AIDS and symptoms include extreme fatigue and weight loss, persistent diarrhoea, susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections, skin blotches and sores in the mouth or on the anus and genitals.

Telura tablets work to slow down the ability of the virus to replicate and help prevent the destruction of the immune system. Telura does not completely clear the body of HIV nor does it prevent transmission by at risk activities such as unprotected sex or the sharing of intravenous needles.

What are the side effects of Telura?

Side effects most commonly reported with Telura tablets include anxiety, mood problems, fever, irritability, poor appetite, rash, stomach discomfort and insomnia. Less common are body aches, numbness or tingling sensations which may be painful, pain in the chest, diarrhoea, headaches, loss of voice, nausea, sore throat, breathing difficulties. This is not a complete list of side-effects. If you have any side-effects, please immediately report them to your doctor for advice. 

What are the health risks when taking Telura?

Lactic acidosis is a potential risk when talking Telura tablets which your doctor should caution you about at the time of prescribing. If you have unusual muscle pain, difficulty in breathing, stomach pains, vomiting, nausea, unusual heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold or very tired and weak contact your doctor immediately for advice.

If you are having unusual thoughts of fear and paranoia, feel sad or worthless or are considering hurting yourself or others seek emergency medical attention.

If you have swelling around the middle of your body, upper stomach pain, are feeling very tired, with no appetite, have dark urine or clay coloured stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes you may have liver problems that need immediate investigation.

When should Telura not be used?

You should not use Telura tablets if you:

• are allergic to efavirenz, lamivudine and tenofovir or any ingredients in Telura
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney, pancreatic or liver disease
• have QT prolongation (heart)
• have seizures
• bone toxicity
• have hepatitis B infection
• have a mental illness, including depression; convulsions; or bone disease like osteoporosis without discussion with your doctor, as your condition may worsen
• are taking medicines that interact with Telura (this is not a complete list of all possible interactions), including: cisapride for reflux, midazolam and triazolam for sedation and anxiety, the antipsychotic pimozide, bepridil for angina, Cafergot for migraine, the antifungal voriconazole and Itraconazole, other medications containing efavirenz, lamivudine, or tenofovir, other retrovirals like ritonavir or lamivudine, herbal preparations containing St. John's wort, the anticonvulsant phenobarbital, antibiotics like clarithromycin rifampicin, statins like simvastatin for lowering cholesterol, the anticoagulant warfarin, the anticonvulsants carbamazepine and Phenytoin, the antidepressant sertraline, the calcium channel blocker diltiazem for high blood pressure, oral contraceptives

How should Telura be taken?

You should take your Telura tablets with a glass of water once a day on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal), preferably at bedtime, to reduce problems with side effects. You should continue to take your Telura tablets regularly for as long as your doctor recommends, and your condition should be monitored. Do not suddenly stop taking your Telura tablets as this may increase risk of HIV resistance.

How long should you take Telura?

You should continue to take your Telura tablets regularly for as long as your doctor recommends, and your condition should be regularly monitored.

Missed dose of Telura

If you miss a dose of Telura tablets take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Telura be stored?

You should store your Telura below 25°C in a cool dry place.