[7] Common side effects include headache, tiredness, trouble sleeping, abdominal pain, weight loss, and rash.

[13] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of emtricitabine/tenofovir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for uninfected, HIV-1 negative individuals that may be at risk for HIV-1 infection.

[17] The CDC recommends PrEP be considered for the following high-risk groups:[18] The consideration of utilizing emtricitabine/tenofovir as a reduction strategy involves discussion with a health professional who can help the patient navigate the benefits and risks.

[25] In the United States, it is recommended that all pregnant HIV-infected women start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as early in pregnancy as possible to reduce the risk of transmission.

[27] In developed countries, HIV-infected mothers are generally recommended to not breastfeed due to slight risk of mother-to-children HIV transmission.

[28][29] In developing countries, where avoiding breastfeeding may not be an option, the World Health Organization recommends a triple drug regimen of tenofovir, efavirenz, and either lamivudine or emtricitabine.

[40] In 2019, Gilead Sciences challenged the validity of patents granted to the United States after 2015 for using the drug combination for HIV PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

[41][42][43] In July 2024, The Biden administration appealed the jury finding that ruled in favor of Gilead Sciences verdict that the U.S. government's patents are invalid.

This is due to a United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation that gave PrEP a grade A rating.

Under the Affordable Care Act, this recommendation requires all non-grandfathered private health plans to cover PrEP without cost sharing.