Emtricitabine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular combinations:

Adco-Emtevir, Atripla, Atroiza, Didivir, Eftenem, Odimune, Tencitab, Tenemine, Trivenz, Truvada

Drug group:

Antiretroviral, drug for HIV

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Emtricitabine is an antiretroviral drug used to treat type 1 HIV infection

• It is often combined with other antiretrovirals to reduce the likelihood of drug resistance
• Combination antiretroviral therapy (HAART- highly active antiretrovial therapy) taken regularly on a long-term basis reduces the viral load in the blood
• Correct use of HAART can prolong life but the patient remains infectious and will relapse if treatment is stopped

How does it work?

• Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
• It blocks reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV uses to replicate

How should it be used?

• Swallow capsules whole with water
• If you vomit within 1 hour of a dose, take another one

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

200mg taken once daily, reduced dose for patients <33kg

How quickly will it start to work?

It may take weeks to a year for significant decrease in viral load

How long will the effects last?

Up to several days
                

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor 
                                

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use may affect blood sugar/lipid levels, you may need regular blood tests for liver function, blood cell counts (including CD4 counts), viral load, blood sugar and cholesterol. Your doctor will monitor for signs of lipodystrophy (body fat redistribution).

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, muscle aches, dizziness
• Less common: rash, darkening of the skin, redistribution of body fat, bone destruction
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: fever, sore throat, tiredness, lethargy, joint stiffness/pain, rapid breathing, extreme drowsiness

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney/liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, current/planned pregnancy
• Other medicines: Lamivudine, zalcitabine, orlistat, corticosteroids
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended under 4 months
• Over 60: No known problems
• Driving and hazardous work: caution, drug may cause dizziness
• Alcohol: Alcohol increases the risk of developing serious bone problems