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Emtricitabine Coupon - Emtricitabine 200mg capsule

emtricitabine

Generic Emtriva
Used for HIV Treatment
Used for HIV Treatment

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 1, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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 BrandsEmtriva
Drug ClassHIV ARV
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the 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%)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Emtricitabine (Emtriva)

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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

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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

Pharmacist tips for Emtricitabine (Emtriva)

pharmacist

  • 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.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Emtricitabine (Emtriva)

            Is emtricitabine (Emtriva) PrEP?
            Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is one of the two HIV ARVs in Truvada and Descovy. The two HIV ARV combos used for the prevention of HIV, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP. However, only the HIV ARV combination tablets are FDA approved to be used for PrEP.
            Can you open emtricitabine (Emtriva) capsules and sprinkle them on food?
            You may see that some people open their capsules of emtricitabine (Emtriva) and mix the contents with water. However, the manufacturer does not provide data or directions for doing so. Since the medication comes as an oral solution that has been well studied, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider about your options if you are having a hard time swallowing the capsule.
            When's the best time of day to take emtricitabine (Emtriva)?
            There's no one right time to take emtricitabine (Emtriva). The most important thing is that you choose a time that you can take the medication at the same time everyday. Many people living with HIV find it helpful to take all their HIV ARVs at the same time.
            What should I do if I forget a dose of emtricitabine (Emtriva)?
            If you forget your dose of emtricitabine (Emtriva), take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. Never double up on doses.
            Does emtricitabine (Emtriva) cause weight gain?
            Changes in weight are not common with emtricitabine (Emtriva), or any of the other NRTIs.
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            What are the 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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              risk-warning

              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).

                risk-warning

                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.

                  dosage

                  Emtricitabine (Emtriva) dosage forms

                  Typical dosing 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

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Emtricitabine (Emtriva) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Emtriva (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $530.14

                  (save 20.84%)
                  Emtricitabine (Emtriva) (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $154.35

                  (save 74.88%)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Emtricitabine (Emtriva)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Emtricitabine (Emtriva). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
                  Used for:

                  • HIV treatment

                  $154.35 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Zidovudine (Retrovir)
                  Used for:

                  • HIV treatment

                  • Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT)

                  $30.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Lamivudine (Epivir)
                  Used for:

                  • Treatment of HIV infection for people ages 3 months and older - brand and generic Epivir only

                  • Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B for people ages 2 years and older - brand and generic Epivir HBV only

                  $122.97 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                  Emtricitabine (Emtriva) images

                  Blue And White Emt 200 - Emtricitabine 200mg Capsule
                  This medicine is Blue And White Capsule Imprinted With "Emt 200".Blue And White Emt 200 - Emtricitabine 200mg Capsule

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