EMTRICITABINE - ORAL (Emtriva) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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

BRAND NAME(S): Emtriva

WARNING: Rarely, emtricitabine has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood acid-base problems (lactic acidosis). Immediately notify your doctor if you develop dark urine, unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches, or stomach/abdominal pain.

USES: Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor antiviral agent used in combination with other antivirals for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It works by slowing the growth of the virus. This medication is not a cure for HIV, nor does it prevent the passing of HIV to others. One group of HIV medications (the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs such as zidovudine and lamivudine) are very useful. However, NRTIs are recommended to be used in combination with other groups of HIV medications in order to be effective. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines), even for a brief time, unless directed to do so by your doctor. This may cause the amount of the virus to increase or may make the virus more difficult to treat (develop resistance). This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not skip any doses.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, cough, runny nose, change in the color of the skin on the palms or soles of feet, joint or muscle pain, and rash may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: depression, tingling of the hands or feet, severe weakness. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes is unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.