PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, has become an important option for HIV prevention, especially for people at higher risk. Among the available regimens, TENO-EM PrEP, which combines Tenofovir and Emtricitabine, is one of the most widely used, backed by extensive research and clinical data.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about TENO-EM PrEP—its components, usage, side effects, pricing, and FAQs—helping you make an informed and confident decision about your sexual health.
TENO-EM PrEP is one of the most commonly used medications for HIV prevention in Thailand. It contains two active ingredients: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and Emtricitabine (FTC). These medications work together to prevent HIV from replicating in the body.
There are several types of PrEP regimens available, each offering different benefits. TENO-EM, produced by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), is considered a standard option. It is recommended by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Thailand’s Department of Disease Control due to its proven effectiveness and well-established safety profile.
TENO-EM PrEP contains two active substances: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and Emtricitabine (FTC), both belonging to a class of antiviral drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
These drugs block the enzyme HIV uses to produce new genetic material. Without replication, the virus cannot spread inside the body, allowing PrEP users to significantly lower their risk of acquiring HIV infection.
According to international studies and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, TENO-EM PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by over 90% when taken consistently and as prescribed by a physician.
Its effectiveness decreases if doses are missed, taken irregularly, or used incorrectly. For the best protection, adherence to the regimen and regular health monitoring are strongly recommended.
TENO-EM PrEP can be taken in two main ways:
The choice between these methods should be based on sexual behavior and medical advice, ensuring maximum protection.
TENO-EM PrEP is generally safe and has been widely used for many years. Common short-term side effects include nausea, headache, diarrhea, or fatigue, which usually improve as the body adjusts.
For long-term use, monitoring kidney and liver function, along with routine blood tests as advised by a physician, helps ensure that the medication remains safe and appropriate for each individual.
Before starting TENO-EM PrEP, doctors usually recommend blood tests to confirm HIV-negative status, check liver and kidney function, and screen for hepatitis B infection.
Once on PrEP, follow-up health checks every 3–6 months are important to monitor blood results, assess possible side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.
TENO-EM PrEP is recommended for individuals at risk of HIV, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), serodiscordant couples where one partner is HIV-positive, and those with multiple partners or inconsistent condom use.
It is also suitable for anyone seeking greater confidence in their sexual health and wishing to lower their daily risk of acquiring HIV infection.
TENO-EM PrEP contains the TDF/FTC combination, a well-studied and widely used regimen recommended as a standard option in many countries, including Thailand.
Compared with other options—such as Tenof EM, which is more affordable, or TAF-EM (Descovy), which is gentler on kidneys and bones but more expensive—TENO-EM is often considered a balanced choice in terms of effectiveness, safety, and accessibility.
At Safe Clinic, TENO-EM PrEP is priced at 1,500 THB for 30 tablets, making it suitable for monthly use. Additional health check costs, such as blood tests and kidney or liver function tests, may be recommended by the doctor depending on individual needs.
Compared with other PrEP regimens, TENO-EM is considered an accessible and cost-effective choice, backed by long-standing research evidence on its effectiveness and safety.
Before beginning TENO-EM PrEP, clients undergo blood tests to confirm HIV-negative status, check liver and kidney function, and screen for sexually transmitted infections as recommended by the doctor. The physician then evaluates suitability and prescribes the medication.
Once prescribed, it should be taken exactly as directed, with follow-up health check-ups every 3–6 months to ensure safety and effectiveness for each individual.
A common misconception is that TENO-EM PrEP treats HIV. In reality, it is a preventive medication and cannot cure someone already infected. Another belief is that PrEP eliminates the need for condoms. This is incorrect, as PrEP only protects against HIV, not other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or HPV.
Some worry about long-term side effects, such as infertility or weight gain, but no scientific evidence supports these claims. Using the medication under medical supervision remains the safest and most appropriate approach.
Many individuals who started TENO-EM PrEP reported feeling more confident in daily life with less anxiety about HIV. Some experienced mild side effects such as nausea or dizziness at the beginning, but these usually subsided with continued use.
Feedback from clients at Safe Clinic highlighted that medical check-ups and professional guidance made the decision easier, showing that PrEP can be both practical and accessible in everyday life.
Do I need to take TENO-EM PrEP for life?
Not necessarily. You can stop if you are no longer at risk, but always consult a doctor first.
Do I still need to use condoms while on PrEP?
Yes. PrEP only prevents HIV and does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Are TENO-EM side effects serious?
Most are mild and temporary, such as nausea or dizziness, and typically resolve on their own.
TENO-EM PrEP is a globally recognized standard regimen, offering high effectiveness in HIV prevention, affordability, and straightforward usage. Still, it should always be taken under medical supervision with regular health monitoring to ensure both safety and suitability for each individual.
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