Ricovir EM

📦 Every order is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy — if your parcel does not arrive within 20 business days, we reship it.

Why order from MedsBase

Ordering from MedsBase gives you sourcing from a WHO-GMP-certified manufacturer, discreet plain-envelope packaging, worldwide shipping, and 4.9★ ratings from over 1,400 verified customers. Card payments are routed via a regulated crypto on-ramp — the statement descriptor on your bank statement will show the processor name (a regulated card-payment processor), never “MedsBase” or any medication name. Every parcel is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy.

Ricovir EM is a daily HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tablet combining tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg and emtricitabine 200 mg — the same two antiretroviral molecules that make up the brand-name Truvada® originally developed by Gilead Sciences. Manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals (now Viatris) — one of the largest global generic drug makers with a long-established antiretroviral portfolio and stringent regulatory compliance for WHO-prequalified HIV medicines.

Taken consistently by HIV-negative adults at substantial risk of exposure, TDF/FTC-based PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV-1 by over 99% (iPrEx open-label extension, PROUD, Partners PrEP). Missing more than one or two doses per week meaningfully reduces protection, so PrEP is fundamentally an adherence intervention as much as a pharmacological one.

What Is Ricovir EM?

Ricovir EM is a fixed-dose combination tablet of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs):

• Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg — blocks HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from integrating into host DNA
• Emtricitabine (FTC) 200 mg — a cytidine analogue that likewise inhibits reverse transcriptase, with a complementary resistance profile to TDF

Used as PrEP, the two drugs pre-load HIV-negative cells with inhibitor so that any incoming virus from a sexual or injection exposure is unable to establish a productive infection. The combination is also licensed for HIV-1 treatment (as part of a 3-drug regimen) and for chronic hepatitis B, though this page focuses on PrEP use.

Clinical equivalence: Ricovir EM, branded Truvada, Tenvir-EM, Tenof-EM, Tavin-EM, and Ricovir-EM all contain the same fixed-dose combination of TDF 300 mg + FTC 200 mg. Bioequivalence between manufacturers is established by drug-regulatory bodies through pharmacokinetic equivalence testing. The choice between them is primarily about manufacturer, supply, and cost — not clinical outcome.

How Ricovir EM Works as PrEP

When taken daily, tenofovir and emtricitabine reach steady-state concentrations in blood, genital mucosa, and rectal tissue. When exposure to HIV happens — during unprotected sex, shared injection equipment, or mucosal contact with infected fluids — the drug is already present inside uninfected cells and blocks the virus’s reverse transcriptase step before it can integrate into host DNA and establish a chronic infection.

Key pharmacokinetic points that affect protection:

• Rectal tissue concentration reaches protective levels after approximately 7 days of daily dosing. This is why daily PrEP is effective quickly for men who have sex with men
• Cervicovaginal tissue concentration reaches protective levels more slowly — approximately 20–21 days of daily dosing. Women, transgender men, and anyone with vaginal or frontal sex need longer adherence before full protection
• Tenofovir has a long intracellular half-life — roughly 4–5 days. Missing a single dose does not immediately abolish protection, but skipping multiple doses per week does
• Tail cover after stopping exposure: continue dosing for at least 28 days after the last potential HIV exposure to cover the incubation window

Before Starting PrEP — Mandatory Tests

PrEP requires confirmed HIV-negative status under specialist supervision. The following baseline tests are mandatory before your first dose. Starting PrEP without confirming HIV-negative status can drive HIV drug resistance if you are already infected — with consequences for your future treatment options.

Retest timeline: HIV test repeated every 3 months while on PrEP. Renal function every 6 months. STI screen every 3 months. Any of these being out-of-range can require a pause in PrEP.

Dosing Options

Key clinical nuance: PrEP is not instant protection. Daily dosing must be taken consistently, and time-to-protection depends on tissue compartment (faster for rectal tissue than cervicovaginal). Missing more than 1–2 doses per week significantly reduces efficacy.

Side Effects

Most side effects occur in the first 2–4 weeks (“start-up syndrome”) and resolve with continued use.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Confirmed HIV-positive status — TDF/FTC is a 2-drug regimen that is sub-therapeutic for HIV treatment; using it selects for resistance mutations that compromise future treatment
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min) — TDF requires a functioning kidney; TAF-based PrEP is an alternative for eGFR 30–59
• Concurrent nephrotoxic drugs — aminoglycosides, high-dose NSAIDs, IV contrast, adefovir, cidofovir. Review with a clinician before combining
• Acute hepatitis — use caution and consult a hepatologist
• Breastfeeding — tenofovir is secreted in breast milk. Risk/benefit assessment with a clinician is advised if the infant is HIV-negative and there are other HIV-prevention options

Drug Interactions

• Nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cidofovir, IV pentamidine, high-dose or chronic NSAIDs) — additive renal toxicity
• Didanosine (ddI) — increased didanosine exposure and toxicity; avoid combining
• Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni) — raises tenofovir exposure. Generally manageable with renal monitoring but clinician review recommended
• Adefovir — same drug class, do not combine
• HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens — if PEP is prescribed after a high-risk exposure while on PrEP, the regimens are managed together by an HIV specialist

How to Take — Practical Guidance

• Swallow the tablet whole with water, at the same time each day. Consistency is what makes PrEP work — missing more than 1–2 doses per week meaningfully reduces protection
• Can be taken with or without food. If nausea is a problem in the first weeks, taking with food helps
• If a dose is missed and remembered within 24 hours, take it as soon as remembered. If more than 24 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled one — do not double up
• Do not stop PrEP suddenly if you are HBV-positive — contact your clinician first
• After the last sexual exposure, continue PrEP for at least 28 days (2-dose tail) to cover any virus in the incubation period

Storage

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep in the original blister packaging until use
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Ricovir EM vs Branded Truvada, TAF-based PrEP, and Other Generics

Which should you pick? If you have normal renal function and no bone-density concerns, TDF/FTC (the product on this page) is first-line in every major guideline (CDC, WHO, BHIVA, IAS-USA). If you have eGFR 30–59 mL/min, osteoporosis, or other reasons to avoid TDF, TAF-based PrEP (Tenvir AF / Descovy) is safer but only approved for anal-sex HIV exposure routes. Discuss your specific situation with an HIV-prescribing clinician.

Related PrEP Options

• Tenvir EM — Cipla generic Truvada (largest Indian manufacturer, WHO-prequalified)
• Tenvir AF — Cipla generic Descovy (TAF-based, gentler on kidneys and bone)
• Tavin EM — Emcure generic Truvada
• Tenof EM — Hetero generic Truvada
• STD Protection Pack — TDF/FTC + doxycycline + azithromycin sexual-health stack

See also: comprehensive Tenvir EM page (our most-referenced TDF/FTC product), and the broader HIV Medication and Sexual Health categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ricovir EM the same as Truvada?

Clinically equivalent. Ricovir EM contains exactly the same active ingredients as Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg + emtricitabine 200 mg) and is produced to pharmaceutical bioequivalence standards. The clinical evidence supporting PrEP is based on these two molecules, so the protection delivered by a bioequivalent generic is the same as the original brand.

How effective is Ricovir EM at preventing HIV?

TDF/FTC-based PrEP reduces HIV-1 acquisition by over 99% in people who maintain high adherence (at least 4 doses per week for men who have sex with men; daily dosing for cisgender women and trans men). The highest-quality evidence comes from the iPrEx, PROUD, and Partners PrEP randomised controlled trials.

How long does it take to become protected?

It depends on the exposure route. For rectal HIV exposure (anal sex), daily dosing reaches protective tissue levels in approximately 7 days. For cervicovaginal exposure (vaginal/frontal sex), approximately 20–21 days of daily dosing is needed. For the on-demand 2-1-1 protocol (cisgender MSM only), the first double-dose provides acute pharmacological cover.

Do I need to see a doctor before starting?

Yes. PrEP requires confirmed HIV-negative status under specialist supervision before starting. Starting PrEP while unknowingly HIV-positive can cause drug resistance that limits future HIV treatment. You also need baseline kidney-function, HBV, and STI testing. Every 3 months you need repeat HIV and STI screening; every 6 months, renal function.

Can I take Ricovir EM only when I think I’ll need it?

For cisgender men who have sex with men, the “2-1-1” (event-based) protocol has strong trial evidence (IPERGAY, Prevenir). For cisgender women, transgender women, and anyone with vaginal/frontal sex, on-demand dosing is not recommended — tissue pharmacokinetics differ and daily dosing is required for reliable protection.

What happens if I stop taking it?

If you are HIV-negative and HBV-negative, you can stop safely after completing a 28-day tail following your last HIV exposure. If you are HBV-positive, do not stop without clinician involvement — abrupt TDF discontinuation in chronic HBV can trigger an acute hepatitis flare.

Will PrEP protect me from other STIs?

No. PrEP prevents HIV only. You still need condoms, vaccinations (HPV, HepA, HepB if not immune), and quarterly STI screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. See our STD Protection Pack for a broader sexual-health medication stack including DoxyPEP.

Does Ricovir EM have side effects?

Most men experience mild nausea, headache, or diarrhoea in the first 2–4 weeks (“start-up syndrome”), which resolves with continued use. Long-term, TDF causes a small reduction in bone mineral density and a minor decline in renal function — both usually reversible on stopping. Serious renal toxicity (Fanconi syndrome, acute renal failure) is rare but requires urgent medical attention.

Can I combine Ricovir EM with other medications?

Yes, most medications. Avoid concurrent nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, high-dose NSAIDs, cidofovir, adefovir). Most routine medications including hormonal contraception, SSRIs, statins, PDE5 inhibitors, and antibiotics are safe. Always disclose PrEP to your prescriber.

Do I need a prescription to buy Ricovir EM?

At MedsBase you can order Ricovir EM online without a prescription. PrEP is most effective when supervised by a clinician who confirms HIV-negative status with a 4th-generation antigen/antibody test before starting, performs an HIV and STI screen every 3 months, and monitors renal function (eGFR, urine protein) at baseline and every 6 months. We strongly recommend a clinician partnership for safe and effective PrEP — even when the medication itself is supplied without a prescription.

What is the “2-1-1” on-demand protocol?

The event-based regimen studied in the IPERGAY trial: 2 tablets taken 2–24 hours before anticipated sex, 1 tablet 24 hours after the first dose, and 1 tablet 48 hours after the first dose. If sex continues, continue 1 tablet daily until 48 hours after the last exposure. Evidence supports this protocol in cisgender MSM only.

Ricovir-EM users layering bacterial-STI protection on top of HIV PrEP can switch to our PrEP Starter Pack (Tenvir-EM + doxycycline 100 mg) — same TDF/FTC molecule paired with doxycycline 100 mg for CDC-endorsed doxy-PEP, both in one parcel.

A direct manufacturer alternative to Ricovir EM, Tavin EM (tenofovir 300 mg + emtricitabine 200 mg) from Emcure delivers the same TDF/FTC fixed-dose combination used for daily HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment-arm regimens.

Ricovir-EM uses the older tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) salt; Taficita (tenofovir alafenamide + emtricitabine) pairs the same emtricitabine with the newer TAF prodrug, preferred for users with renal or bone-density concerns.

Other Sexual Health Medications

• Tenvir EM (TDF/FTC 300+200 mg)
• Tenof EM (TDF/FTC 300+200 mg)
• Tavin EM (TDF/FTC 300+200 mg)
• Taficita (TAF/FTC 25+200 mg, Descovy generic)
• STD Protection Pack

Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

More options in PrEP Medication (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)

Ranked by recent MedsBase order volume — what other customers in this category are picking.

Tavin EM

US$22.00 – US$114.00Fourchette de prix : US$22.00 à US$114.00

Tenvir Em

US$34.00 – US$168.00Fourchette de prix : US$34.00 à US$168.00

Tenof EM

US$24.90 – US$120.00Fourchette de prix : US$24.90 à US$120.00

Taficita

US$37.50 – US$189.00Fourchette de prix : US$37.50 à US$189.00