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Emtriva (emtricitabine)

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: November 29, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Emtriva Capsule

Photo © Gold Standard

Classification:

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)

Form:

  • 200mg capsule (blue/white)
  • oral solution (orange in color)

Dosage:

One 200mg capsule once each day.

Dosage may need to be adjusted in patients with renal disease.

Instructions:

  • May take with or without food.
  • Never take Emtriva as part of a regimen containing Truvada

Side Effects To Report To Your Doctor:

  • Headache
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Rash
  • May exacerbate chronic Hepatitis B after stopping Emtriva therefore patients should be tested for Hepatitis B infection prior to starting Emtriva.
  • Lactic acidosis has been reported in people taking drugs in the same class as Emtriva. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms:
    • fatigue
    • weakness
    • muscle aches
    • fever
    • general feeling of being sick

Drug Interactions or Incompatibility:

  • Never take Emtriva as part of a regimen containing Truvada

Speacial Warning:

Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals.

For More Information:

To learn more about Emtriva, try About.com's Drug Finder.

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