MedicineNet.com

emtricitabine - oral, Emtriva

HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures

GENERIC NAME: EMTRICITABINE - ORAL (em-tri-SITE-ah-bean)

BRAND NAME(S): Emtriva

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: 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).

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. Talk with your doctor before stopping this medication. Your doctor will perform liver function tests for several months after you stop emtricitabine. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of worsening liver problems.

USES: Emtricitabine is used with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It may also lower your risk of complications from HIV (such as new infections, cancers). Emtricitabine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTI.Emtricitabine is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking emtricitabine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication 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.Dosage is based on your medical condition, dosage form (capsule or liquid), and response to treatment. Do not switch between the capsule and liquid forms.If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience symptoms of an old infection as your immune system begins to work better. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any trouble breathing, fever, new cough, vision problems, headaches, or skin problems.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at the same time each day.It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Refill your medication before you run out.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.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.