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General Medication Fact Sheet for Emtricitabine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Emtricitabine |
| Brand Name Versions | Emtriva |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Exacerbation of Hepatitis B: Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and have discontinued emtricitabine. Hepatic function should be monitored closely in these patients for at least several months after stopping emtricitabine. If appropriate, initiation of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. |
| Purpose | Antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV-1 infection and prevent HIV-1 infection (PrEP). |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, preventing viral DNA synthesis. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, oral solution |
| Available Strengths | 200 mg (capsules), 10 mg/mL (oral solution) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, rash, dizziness, depression, insomnia, abnormal dreams. |
| Serious Side Effects | Lactic acidosis, severe liver problems, new or worsening kidney problems, immune reconstitution syndrome, bone problems. |
| Drug Interactions | Other antiretroviral medications (especially those containing lamivudine), drugs that affect kidney function. |
| Important Notes | Emtricitabine is part of a combination regimen for HIV treatment or PrEP; take as prescribed. Consult your doctor for monitoring and management of side effects. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at one time. |
| Alternatives | Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread), Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy), Abacavir (Ziagen), Lamivudine (Epivir). |
Emtricitabine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) | Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase. | Another commonly used NRTI in HIV treatment and PrEP. |
| Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy) | Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase. | A newer formulation of tenofovir with potentially fewer kidney and bone side effects. |
| Abacavir (Ziagen) | Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase. | Another NRTI; requires HLA-B*5701 testing before use due to hypersensitivity risk. |
| Lamivudine (Epivir) | Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase. | Another NRTI, similar to emtricitabine. |
Emtricitabine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Lactic acidosis (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness) |
| Diarrhea | Severe liver problems (symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine) |
| Nausea | New or worsening kidney problems (symptoms include changes in urine output, swelling) |
| Fatigue | Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (inflammatory response to opportunistic infections) |
| Rash | Bone problems (bone pain, thinning of bones) |
Emtricitabine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV-1 Infection (Adults) | 200 mg | 200 mg once daily | Part of a combination regimen with other antiretroviral medications. |
| HIV-1 Infection (Pediatric Patients) | Dosage varies by weight and age. | Dosage varies by weight and age. | Administered as oral solution, based on weight. |
| Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) | 200 mg | 200 mg once daily | Taken daily to reduce the risk of HIV infection. |
Emtricitabine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $200 – $400 |
| From CPS | $77.95 |

