EMTRICITABINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Emtriva

GENERIC NAME(S): EMTRICITABINE

 

Description: Emtricitabine, a synthetic nucleoside analogue of cytidine and has activity against HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses as well as hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Indications:

Emtricitabine is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better.

Contraindications:

Should not be given to patients who has shown allergic reactions to this drug.

How to use emtricitabine

Dosage: Take 200 mg (capsule form) or 240 mg (oral solution form) by mouth, usually once daily with or without food or as directed by your doctor.

  • If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
  • Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor.
  • Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

Liver and Blood problems: Rarely, emtricitabine has caused a severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood problem (lactic acidosis). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver problems (persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin) or lactic acidosis (rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches).

Hepatitis B virus infection: This medication is not approved for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. If you have hepatitis B infection in addition to HIV, your hepatitis symptoms may get worse or become very serious if you stop taking emtricitabine.

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking emtricitabine:

More common

Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings

  • chest pain or tightness
  • cough or hoarseness
  • fever or chills
  • lower back or side pain
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • troubled breathing with exertion
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

  • Sensation of pins and needles
  • stabbing pain

Some of the side effects that can occur with emtricitabine may not need medical attention.

More common

  • Abdominal or stomach pain
  • abnormal dreams
  • darkening or redness of the skin
  • depression
  • dizziness
  • earache
  • headache
  • heartburn or indigestion
  • itching skin
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • rash, hives, or welts on the skin
  • spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple
  • vomiting

Less common

  • Joint pain or swelling
  • muscle stiffness
  • trouble sleeping
  • unsteadiness or awkwardness
  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Precautions

General:

Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.

  • Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis, cirrhosis), alcohol use.

Pregnancy Risk: Category B.  During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. However, HIV medicines are now usually given to pregnant women with HIV.

Breastfeeding: This medication passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

 

Interactions

  • Lamivudine is similar to emtricitabine and should not be taken with this medication. Check the labels on all your HIV medicines because they may contain the same ingredients as found in this product. Do not take other products that contain emtricitabine.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver tests, viral load, T-cell counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. If it is the next day or near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store emtricitabine capsules at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store emtricitabine oral solution in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Emtricitabine solution may also be stored at room temperature, but in this case it must be used within 3 months. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

 

Brands

There are no brands containing this molecule.

Related Articles

ULTRAVIST

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultravist is used in the following conditions: Radiographic Imaging: Iopromide injection is utilized to enhance the [...]

ULTRAMOX

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultramox is used in the following conditions: Respiratory Infections: Amoxicillin is often used to treat respiratory [...]

ULTRALIV

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultraliv is used in the following conditions: Carnitine Orotate: Carnitine orotate is a combination of L-carnitine [...]