emtricitabine
Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment and prevention of HIV. It is one of the most common HIV ARVs used around the world.
What is Emtricitabine (Emtriva)?
What is Emtricitabine (Emtriva) used for?
- HIV treatment
How Emtricitabine (Emtriva) works
Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It inserts itself into the virus' DNA by pretending to be a DNA building block, but actually stops the DNA making process. When this happens the HIV virus can't make copies of itself.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Emtriva |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | HIV ARV |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Changes in labs (30%)
- Nausea (9%)
- Fatigue (9%)
- Diarrhea (9%)
- Dizziness (8%)
- Flu/cold (8%)
- Runny nose (8%)
- Rash (7%)
The following Emtricitabine (Emtriva) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Pharmacist tips for Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
- Take emtricitabine (Emtriva) at the same time everyday, with or without food.
- If you have kidney problems, make sure you get your labs done regularly and pay attention to your dosing instructions. Some people with severe kidney problems take emtricitabine (Emtriva) less often to prevent build up of the medication.
- The oral solution should be kept in the fridge, but not frozen. It can be kept at room temperature for 3 months, after 3 months it should be thrown away.
- Don't stop taking emtricitabine (Emtriva) without talking to your healthcare provider first. Stopping the medication can lead to a HBV flare up and uncontrolled HIV.
- Opening the capsules is not recommended by the manufacturer. If you or your child has a hard time swallowing the capsules, talk to your provider about the oral solution. Remember, the oral solution dose will be more than the capsule dose.
Risks and warnings for Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
Emtricitabine (Emtriva) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
- Risk factors: Hepatitis B virus | Stopping emtricitabine (Emtriva)
People who have stopped taking emtricitabine (Emtriva) have had severe worsening of their hepatitis B. Before you start emtricitabine (Emtriva) your provider will check if you have hepatitis B. If you do, your provider might start you on an anti-hepatitis B medication. Don't stop taking emtricitabine (Emtriva) unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
- Risk factors: Weakened immune system | Current untreated infection
HIV attacks your immune system. Over time, if the virus isn't treated your body may become defenseless against bacterial and fungal infections. Your HIV medications are very good at killing the virus, and when the number of viruses goes down, your immune system gets started making more cells. Once your immune system gets better, it will start to fight off any infections you might have, which can lead to a lot of inflammation. Even though it's a good thing that your immune system is getting better, too much inflammation can be bad. Your healthcare provider might check for underlying infections (sometimes called opportunistic infections) before starting emtricitabine (Emtriva) especially if it is your first time taking HIV medications. Call your provider if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes to your health after starting emtricitabine (Emtriva).
LIVER PROBLEMS
- Risk factors: Obesity | Women | History of liver problems
Although rare, NRTIs including emtricitabine (Emtriva) can cause a life-threatening liver problem called lactic acidosis with hepatic steatosis. Most of the cases have been in women. Symptoms can include appetite loss, stomach pain, muscle pain, fast and shallow breathing, extreme tiredness, and sudden weakness. Stop taking emtricitabine (Emtriva) and go to the emergency room right away if this happens.
Emtricitabine (Emtriva) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg of | 30 capsules | $152.24 | $5.07 |
Typical dosage for Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
Adults:
- Capsule: 200 mg once a day
- Oral solution: 240 mg once a day
Children: The dose is based on the child's age, weight, and whether they are taking the capsule or the oral solution
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