Indications
Emtricitabine is an antiviral medicine used, always together with other HIV medicines, to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children. In combination with Tenofovir, it is also used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to lower the risk of getting HIV in people at high risk.
How It Works
HIV needs an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to copy itself inside human cells. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor: it blocks this enzyme, which lowers the amount of virus in the blood and helps the immune system recover. It does not cure HIV.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 200 mg by mouth once daily, with or without food, as part of a combination regimen chosen by the doctor. The dose interval is lengthened in people with reduced kidney function, and children’s doses are based on weight, as prescribed.
- Take it at the same time each day and do not miss doses, as missed doses can let the virus become resistant.
- Do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor.
Interactions
Do not take it with Lamivudine, which works the same way, or with other products already containing Emtricitabine. Medicines that affect kidney function, such as high-dose NSAIDs, Aminoglycosides, Acyclovir and Ganciclovir, may raise its levels or add to kidney strain. Tell your doctor about all medicines, including herbal products.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Emtricitabine or any ingredient.
- For PrEP: people who are already HIV positive or whose HIV status is unknown must not use it for prevention alone.
Side Effects
Common side effects include headache, diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, rash, tiredness, trouble sleeping and darkening of the skin on the palms or soles. Changes in body fat and raised blood lipids may occur with HIV treatment.
Get urgent medical help if you have fast or deep breathing, severe tiredness, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting (possible lactic acidosis), yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or a severe rash with blisters or swelling.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Emtricitabine is widely used in pregnancy as part of HIV treatment to protect the mother and lower the risk of passing HIV to the baby, under specialist care. Advice on breastfeeding for women with HIV depends on local guidelines and viral control; follow your doctor’s advice.
Precautions and Warnings
Get tested for hepatitis B before starting. In people with hepatitis B, stopping Emtricitabine can cause a severe flare of liver disease, so liver tests are needed for several months after stopping. Kidney function is checked regularly. Use condoms and safe practices, as this medicine does not stop other sexually transmitted infections. Regular HIV tests are needed during PrEP.
Overdose
There is little information on overdose. Seek medical help; treatment is supportive, and some of the medicine can be removed by haemodialysis.
Therapeutic Class
Antiretroviral, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.