Ricovir EM price, PrEP drug, HIV prevention, FTC/TDF formula, safe 2025

Preventing HIV infection is crucial, especially for individuals at higher risk. Today, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is recognized as one of the most effective strategies. Ricovir EM is a widely used PrEP option due to its globally standardized formulation, affordability, and inclusion in trusted medical guidelines.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Ricovir EM—from what it is, how it works, benefits, side effects, real user experiences, to step-by-step instructions on starting PrEP at a clinic.

What is Ricovir EM (PrEP)?

Ricovir EM is an oral medication for HIV prevention, also known as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It is taken once daily under medical supervision.

The formulation combines Emtricitabine (200 mg) and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (300 mg), a widely recognized standard regimen included in international medical guidelines.

Manufactured by Mylan/Viatris, Ricovir EM is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Thailand’s national HIV prevention guidelines. It is among the most commonly prescribed PrEP options worldwide.

Why Do Many People Choose Ricovir EM?

Ricovir EM is one of the most commonly used PrEP options because it is more affordable than the original brand, Truvada, while containing the same standard formulation: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.

It is also endorsed by major health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), providing strong evidence of its effectiveness and long-term use.

For individuals planning to use PrEP consistently, Ricovir EM offers a cost-effective solution, allowing continuous HIV prevention without causing a heavy financial burden.

What Research Supports Ricovir EM?

Ricovir EM contains the standard FTC/TDF regimen, which has been supported by strong evidence from major clinical studies such as the iPrEx, Partners PrEP, and PROUD trials. These studies confirmed that consistent PrEP use can reduce the risk of HIV acquisition by more than 90%.

Because of this evidence, PrEP with FTC/TDF has been included in global guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thailand has also adopted the same regimen in its national HIV prevention strategy.

This scientific backing ensures that Ricovir EM is not only affordable but also clinically validated as an effective long-term option for HIV prevention.

Who Is Ricovir EM Suitable For?

Ricovir EM is recommended for individuals at higher risk of HIV infection, including those with multiple sexual partners, those who do not consistently use condoms, and serodifferent couples where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not.

It is also suitable for individuals who use certain recreational drugs that increase HIV risk, as well as those seeking long-term HIV prevention under medical supervision.

However, the decision to start Ricovir EM should always follow a medical evaluation to ensure individual suitability and safety.

What Tests Are Needed Before Starting Ricovir EM?

Before starting Ricovir EM, essential health checks are required to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Doctors typically recommend:

• HIV Test (4th Generation): To confirm that the individual is HIV-negative before starting PrEP.
• Kidney Function Test (eGFR/Creatinine): Since the medication can affect kidney function.
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Screening: Because the drug interacts with chronic HBV infection.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Screening: Including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, depending on risk factors.
• Other Assessments: Such as pregnancy or breastfeeding status in women, to ensure proper medical guidance.

How to Use Ricovir EM Effectively

Ricovir EM must be taken correctly and consistently under medical guidance to maximize its effectiveness in HIV prevention.

Daily PrEP (Daily Use)

Take one tablet daily at around the same time each day. If a dose is missed within 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose. Do not double up.

On-Demand PrEP (Event-Based Use)

In some cases, Ricovir EM may be used around specific risk events following a special dosing schedule prescribed by a doctor. This method is not suitable for everyone and should only be done under medical supervision.

Follow-up and Monitoring

Individuals on PrEP should repeat HIV testing every 3 months, along with periodic kidney function checks and STI screenings. These follow-ups ensure safety and the ongoing effectiveness of PrEP use.

Side Effects & Safety

Ricovir EM is considered a safe medication that has been widely used for HIV prevention. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as nausea, headache, or mild dizziness, which often resolve after continued use.

In some cases, Ricovir EM may affect kidney function or bone mineral density, which is why regular monitoring and follow-up tests are recommended as part of medical supervision.

If severe symptoms occur—such as reduced urination, unusual fatigue, or signs of an allergic reaction—the medication should be discontinued, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

How Does Ricovir EM Compare to Other Brands?

Ricovir EM shares the same formulation as Tenof EM and Teno EM (Emtricitabine 200 mg + Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300 mg / FTC/TDF). Their effectiveness is equivalent, with the main differences being manufacturer and cost.

Compared to Truvada (the original brand), Ricovir EM is more affordable. Descovy (FTC/TAF) and TAF EM are newer formulations with potentially fewer side effects on kidneys and bones, but they are significantly more expensive.

PrEP Brand Comparison Table

Can Ricovir EM Be Taken with Other Medications or Hormones?

In general, Ricovir EM can be safely used with most medications, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming hormones, without reducing the effectiveness of either treatment. However, it is always important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting PrEP.

Certain drugs—such as other antiretrovirals, some anticonvulsants, or medications affecting kidney function—may require adjustments or closer monitoring. For this reason, medical consultation is strongly recommended before combining Ricovir EM with other medicines.

When used with hormonal contraceptives or gender-affirming hormones, research has shown no significant interaction, meaning both PrEP and hormone therapy remain effective when taken together.

Ricovir EM and Lifestyle (Alcohol / Recreational Drugs)

Individuals taking Ricovir EM can consume alcohol, as no direct interaction reduces the drug’s effectiveness. However, excessive drinking should be avoided since it may cause missed doses, lowering PrEP protection.

Recreational drugs such as ketamine or methamphetamine do not directly interfere with Ricovir EM, but the risky behaviors often associated with drug use can significantly increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Therefore, PrEP with Ricovir EM should ideally be combined with responsible lifestyle choices—moderate alcohol intake, safe sex practices, and reduced drug-related risks—to maximize its protective benefits.

Ricovir EM Price at Safe Clinic

At Safe Clinic, starting PrEP with Ricovir EM is affordable and typically includes both the medication and essential health screenings before initiation.

Ricovir EM Package

• Medical service fee 600 baht
• Blood test fee before starting medication: 2,000 baht
• Ricovir EM medicine costs 1,200 baht (30 tablets / 1 month supply)
• Doctor’s consultation and medical guidance before prescription

The price before starting PrEP Ricovir EM at Safe clinic was 3,800 baht.

If you have any questions or need to inquire, you can inquire via LINE @safeclinicbkk or book an appointment

Real Experiences: Starting Ricovir EM for the First Time

Many individuals who began PrEP with Ricovir EM reported that the process was straightforward: they underwent basic health checks, including HIV and kidney function tests, followed by a doctor’s prescription and guidance on how to take the medication correctly.

Most users mentioned experiencing mild side effects in the beginning, such as nausea or light dizziness, which usually resolved within a few days. After that, Ricovir EM did not interfere with their daily routines.

What stood out most was the sense of reassurance—users felt more confident knowing that with Ricovir EM, they had strong medical protection against HIV under professional supervision.

FAQ Ricovir EM

Can Ricovir EM be bought online?

In Thailand, PrEP medications such as Ricovir EM should only be obtained through clinics or hospitals under medical supervision. This ensures proper health checks and safe follow-up care.

Do I need to take Ricovir EM every day?

Daily PrEP (one pill per day) is the standard recommendation. In some cases, doctors may consider On-Demand PrEP depending on individual risk and suitability.

How safe is Ricovir EM?

Research and real-world use show that Ricovir EM is highly safe, with most side effects being mild and temporary. However, regular check-ups every 3 months are recommended for ongoing safety.

Do I still need HIV testing while on Ricovir EM?

Yes. HIV testing every 3 months is essential to confirm negative status and allow doctors to monitor PrEP use safely.

Conclusion

Ricovir EM is a PrEP medication based on the standard FTC/TDF formulation, supported by extensive research and included in guidelines from WHO, CDC, and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. It is affordable, widely prescribed, and suitable for individuals at higher risk of HIV infection.

However, starting PrEP should always be done under medical supervision. Health checks and personalized consultations ensure safe and effective use, providing reliable HIV prevention tailored to each individual.

References

1. WHO – Guidelines on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery and monitoring
2. CDC – PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
3. Thailand brings PrEP to scale
4. PubMed – iPrEx Study (PrEP effectiveness trial)
5. PubMed – Partners PrEP Study

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