•Very effective against HIV, with few side effects
•Taken only once a day with or without food
•Available in many combination tablets with other HIV ARVs
•Available as a capsule and oral solution
•Can be used in pregnancy and in children right after they are born
•Dose must be adjusted if you have kidney problems
•Must be used in combination with other HIV ARVs
•The oral solution is absorbed less than the capsule, so the dose is higher
•Some people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have worsening of the liver after stopping emtricitabine (Emtriva)
•Requires regular labs to make sure the medication is working against HIV and to check your kidney and liver