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Emtricitabine Emtriva 200mg Emtriva Bottle
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em-tri-SIT-uh-bean   Audio

Brand Name: Emtriva  Audio
Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Emtricitabine, also known as Emtriva or FTC, is a type of medicine called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Emtricitabine in capsule form was approved by the FDA on July 2, 2003, for use with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV infection in adults. Emtricitabine oral solution was approved by the FDA on September 28, 2005, and is now approved for use with other anti-HIV drugs in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients older than 3 months of age.

This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Emtricitabine comes in capsule and liquid form and is taken by mouth.

Recommended Daily Dose
The recommended dose of emtricitabine for adults is 200 mg as a capsule or 240 mg (24 ml) as an oral solution once a day. The recommended dose of emtricitabine for children is based on age and weight. Children who weigh more than 33 kg (72.8 lbs) and who can swallow an intact capsule should take 200 mg in capsule form once a day. Individuals with decreased kidney function may need to take emtricitabine less than once a day. Other individuals may also benefit from different doses of emtricitabine; doses for elderly individuals are currently being studied. Individuals should always take emtricitabine as prescribed by their doctors.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, emtricitabine can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of emtricitabine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include headache, diarrhea, nausea, rash, and skin discoloration. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Emtricitabine.

Manufacturer Information
Emtricitabine
  Gilead Sciences Inc
  333 Lakeside Dr
  Foster City,  CA  94404
  (800) 445-3235
    

Emtriva
  Gilead Sciences Inc
  333 Lakeside Dr
  Foster City,  CA  94404
  (800) 445-3235
    
Updated December 20, 2007