Health Library

Emtricitabine (By mouth)

Emtricitabine (em-trye-SYE-ta-been)

Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Emtriva

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Emtricitabine is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Capsules: Store in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may also keep the oral liquid at room temperature for up to 3 months. Throw away any unused liquid after 3 months.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how emtricitabine works. Tell your doctor knows if you are using lamivudine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease (including hepatitis B).
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection, when treatment is stopped
  • Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
  • Liver problems
  • New or worsening kidney problems
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start using HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
• Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. If you stop taking this medicine or do not take it as prescribed, you may spread HIV to others. Do not reuse or share needles, or other items, that may have blood or body fluids on them.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast breathing, troubled breathing, lightheadedness, severe weakness or tiredness, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Diarrhea, stomach upset
• Feeling depressed, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024