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Complera Coupon - Complera 200mg/25mg/300mg tablet

Complera

mtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir
Used for HIV Treatment
Used for HIV Treatment

Complera is a single-tablet regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), rilpivirine (Edurant), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread). It's no longer a first-choice treatment option due to newer agents with fewer side effects.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 1, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Complera?

What is Complera used for?

  • HIV treatment

How Complera works

Complera contains an non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) (rilpivirine) and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (emtricitabine, tenofovir). These 3 medications work together to prevent the virus from making copies of itself in your body.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsComplera
Drug ClassHIV ARV Combo
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$4257.40(save 12.09%)
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$3742.87
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What are the side effects of Complera?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Change in mood, depression (2%)
  • Headache (2%)
  • Trouble sleeping, insomnia (2%)

Other Side Effects

  • Abnormal, strange dreams
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Rash

Source: FDA

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Discouragement

feeling sad or empty

irritability

lack of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

mental depression

thoughts of killing oneself

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

Less common

Body aches or pain

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain

chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

tightness in the chest

unsteadiness or awkwardness

unusual tiredness or weakness

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Incidence not known

Agitation

bloating

bloody or cloudy urine

bone pain

confusion

constipation

dark urine

decreased appetite

decreased urination

diarrhea

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

dry mouth

fast heartbeat

fast, shallow breathing

frequent urination

hostility

increased thirst

indigestion

irritability

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

light-colored stools

muscle pain or cramps

muscle tenderness, wasting, or weakness

nausea

pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

rapid weight gain

seizures

skin rash, hives, itching

sleepiness

stomach discomfort

swelling of the face, ankles, hands, feet, or lower legs

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abnormal dreams

Less common

Back pain

belching

difficulty with moving

heartburn

pain in the joints

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

stomach discomfort or upset

Incidence not known

Lack or loss of strength

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Complera

thumbs-up

Pros

1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen

Can be used in pregnancy at the same dose

Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B

Causes less abnormal dreams when compared to a similar medication Atripla

Not associated with weight gain

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Cons

Must be taken with food

Not recommended for people with kidney problems since the dose can't be adjusted

Can't be used if the amount of virus (viral load) is too high

There are many medication interactions and it can't be taken with some medications used to treat tuberculosis, seizures, and stomach acid.

Can lead to kidney and bone problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Complera

pharmacist

  • Take Complera at the same time everyday, so the amount of medication in your body can stay the same.

    • Take each dose with a meal that's at least 400 calories. Taking it on an empty stomach can lead to lower levels of medication. Protein and nutrition shakes cannot replace a meal.

      • Make sure your healthcare providers have a full list of the medications you are taking. Since Complera interacts with a lot of other medications, sometimes the dose has to be increased.

        • Over-the-counter medications used to treat indigestion, acid reflux, or heartburn can lower the amount of Complera that is absorbed by your stomach. Do not take proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole (Prilosec), while taking Complera. You can take H2RAs, like famotidine (Pepcid), 12 hours before or 4 hours after Complera and antacids, like Tums, 2 hours before or 4 hours after Complera.

          • Talk to your provider if you become pregnant or have plans on becoming pregnant. You can continue to take Complera during your pregnancy, but your provider may choose to monitor your viral load more closely while you are pregnant.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Complera

            Does it matter how much food I eat with Complera?
            Complera must be taken with food to make sure the right amount of medication is absorbed by your body. The manufacturer recommends that the medication be taken with at least a light meal, about 400 calories. A protein drink is not a substitute for food.
            Can Complera be taken alone?
            Yes, Complera is a single-tablet regimen that can be taken alone for the treatment of HIV. For some people who might have a resistant type of HIV, they may have to take other HIV ARVs in addition to Complera. Talk to your provider if you ever have questions about your HIV regimen.
            What happens if I stop taking Complera?
            If you stop taking Complera without starting an HIV ARV combo replacement, the HIV virus can start to grow and harm your immune system. If you also happen to have hepatitis B, this virus may also flare up and harm your liver.
            What should I do if I miss a dose of Complera?
            If you realize you forgot your dose of Complera, take it as soon as you remember as long as it hasn't been more than 12 hours from your regularly scheduled dose. If more than 12 hours have passed, and it's closer in time to your next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your regularly scheduled time. Never double up on doses.
            Can I breastfeed while taking Complera?
            Though Complera can be taken during pregnancy, it's not recommended to breastfeed while taking the medication. In general, women with HIV are not recommended to breastfeed since HIV can be passed to the child in breast milk.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Complera?

            Complera can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B

            • Risk factors: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) | Stopping Complera

              People who have stopped taking Complera have had severe worsening of their hepatitis B. Don't stop taking Complera unless instructed by your healthcare provider. If you are instructed to stop the medication, or switch to a different antiviral medication, make sure you get your labs drawn regularly. This is how your provider will monitor your liver and HBV.

              risk-warning

              LIVER PROBLEMS AND TOXICITY

              • Risk factors: History of liver disease | Hepatitis B or C infection | Obesity | Women

                Although rare, NRTIs including emtricitabine and tenofovir can cause a life-threatening liver problem called lactic acidosis with hepatic steatosis. Some people also have changes in their liver tests after starting Complera, due to rilpivirine. It's more common in people who have some type of liver disease or infection. Complera is not recommended for people who have moderate to severe liver conditions. Your provider will check your liver before you start Complera and will order blood tests to monitor your liver while you are taking the medication. Symptoms of liver problems can include appetite loss, stomach pain, muscle pain, fast and shallow breathing, extreme tiredness, and sudden weakness. Stop taking Complera and go to the emergency room right away if this happens.

                risk-warning

                DEPRESSION AND CHANGES IN MOOD

                • Risk factors: History of mental health problems

                  Complera has been associated with negative thoughts, depression, and thoughts of suicide. If your mood starts to change while taking Complera, let your provider know. If you start thinking about wanting to harm yourself, seek medical attention right away.

                  risk-warning

                  KIDNEY PROBLEMS

                  • Risk factors: History of kidney damage | Concurrent use of other drugs known to harm kidneys

                    Some people taking Complera have developed kidney problems. Sometimes it happens right after starting the medication. For others the damage is over time. It's recommended to avoid other medications that can also harm the kidney, like high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs (Motrin/Advil, Aleve, Mobic, Voltaren, etc.). Make sure you get your labs drawn regularly so your provider can check on your kidneys.

                    risk-warning

                    BONE PROBLEMS

                    • Risk factors: History of bone fractures | Osteoporosis

                      Complera can lower your bone mineral density and weaken your bones. This can lead to osteoporosis and raise your risk of fractures. Many people take calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent this. Your provider may order additional tests to check your bone density if you have a fracture or other risk factors for bone problems.

                      risk-warning

                      IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME

                      • Risk factors: Weakened immune system | Current untreated infection

                        HIV attacks your immune system. Over time, if the virus isn't treated your body may become defenseless against bacterial and fungal infection. Your HIV medications are very good at killing the virus, and when the number of viruses goes down, your immune system gets started making more cells. Once your immune system gets better, it will start to fight off any infections you might have, which can lead to a lot of inflammation. Even though it's a good thing that your immune system is getting better, too much inflammation can be bad. Your healthcare provider might check for underlying infections (sometimes called opportunistic infections) before starting Complera especially if it is your first time taking HIV medications. Call your provider if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes to your health after starting Complera.

                        dosage

                        Complera dosage forms

                        The average cost for 30 tablets of 200mg/25mg/300mg of Complera is $3742.87 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 12.09% off the average retail price of $4257.40.
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        200mg/25mg/300mg30 tablets$3742.87$124.76

                        Typical dosing for Complera

                        The recommended dose for adults and children weighing more than 35 kg is 1 tablet once a day with food.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Complera and other drugs

                        Complera may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Complera. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                        drug-cost

                        How much does Complera cost?

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                        Complera (brand)
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                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Complera?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Complera. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Complera
                        Used for:

                        • HIV treatment

                        $3742.87 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Atripla
                        Used for:

                        • HIV treatment

                        $42.08 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Odefsey
                        Used for:

                        • HIV treatment

                        $11189.42 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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