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How Long Do the Side Effects of Truvada Last?

Truvada for PrEP does have some common side effects that often appear right away and usually last between one to two weeks. Some of the most common side effects include:

  • Stomach cramps.
  • Nausea.
  • Fatigue.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headaches.

Many people experience few to no side effects when taking Truvada, and those who do experience side effects typically report that they go away within a week or two. The side effects are also generally tolerable, so you should be able to participate in your normal activities. You may be able to alleviate the side effects by taking the medication with food or before you go to bed. Experimenting with when you take it may help you feel better, so try out different times of the day.

If you do experience side effects that make it difficult to work, exercise, or participate in other activities, talk to your health care provider about how to manage them more effectively. For most people, the benefits associated with reducing the risk of being infected with HIV is worth a few side effects for several weeks. Using this once-daily pill can relieve some of the anxiety and fear that comes with sexual activity and the risk of contracting HIV.

Get PrEP for HIV Prevention At Home

Nurx offers PrEP for HIV prevention for as little as $0 with insurance for medication.

Truvada is the FDA-approved medication that is also referred to as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which can lessen the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. It is available to HIV-negative individuals who are willing to undergo lab testing and answer a few simple questions about their health and sexual activity.

Nurx prescribes generic PrEP unless you have a medical reason why you must take Truvada.

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