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NUCLEOSIDE REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR (NRTI)
Emtriva (emtricitabine) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children.
Emtriva is a type of antiretroviral medicine. It blocks HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, an enzyme the virus needs to make more copies of itself.
Doctors prescribe Emtriva with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection.
HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Emtriva is taken by mouth once daily. It is available as a capsule or an oral solution. It may be taken with or without food.
For adults, the recommended dose is one 200-milligram capsule once daily or 240 milligrams, equal to 24 milliliters, of oral solution once daily.
For infants from birth through 3 months old, the recommended dose is 3 milligrams per kilogram of oral solution once daily.
For children from 3 months through 17 years old, the recommended dose is 6 milligrams per kilogram of oral solution once daily, up to a maximum of 240 milligrams, equal to 24 milliliters.
Children who weigh more than 33 kilograms and can swallow an intact capsule may take one 200-milligram capsule once daily.
Adults with reduced kidney function may need a different dose or dosing interval based on their creatinine clearance, a test used to measure kidney function. On dialysis days, the dose should be taken after dialysis.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Emtriva, the most common side effects occurred in about 10 percent to 23 percent of people. These include:
Emtriva can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Gilead Sciences, Inc, the manufacturer of Emtriva, offers the Gilead Advancing Access Co-pay Savings Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may receive up to $3,600 in copay assistance per calendar year (up to $300 per month). If you have government insurance or no insurance, the program also provides information about other financial assistance options that may be available.
The Gilead Advancing Access Program also offers help understanding insurance coverage, answering insurance-related questions, and exploring available coverage options.
To learn more, visit the Gilead Advancing Access Program website or call 800-226-2056.
Before starting Emtriva, your doctor will test you for hepatitis B virus infection.
Before receiving Emtriva, tell your healthcare provider if you:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take Emtriva if you have had a serious hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to any of its ingredients.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Emtriva.
A pregnancy exposure registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in people exposed to Emtriva. Healthcare providers can register pregnancies by visiting the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry or calling 800-258-4263.
Do not breastfeed while taking Emtriva. HIV-1 may pass to a baby through breast milk. Emtriva may also pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding may lead to HIV-1 drug resistance in a child with HIV-1 or cause side effects in the child.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Emtriva for HIV?
In adults starting HIV treatment for the first time, Emtriva was studied with other HIV medicines.
In one study, 84 percent of people taking emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and efavirenz achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA below 400 copies per milliliter through 48 weeks. This compared with 73 percent of people taking zidovudine/lamivudine with efavirenz. At 144 weeks, the rates were 71 percent with the emtricitabine combination and 58 percent with the comparison combination.
In another 48-week study, 81 percent of people taking Emtriva with didanosine and efavirenz achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA below 400 copies per milliliter. This compared with 68 percent of people taking stavudine, didanosine, and efavirenz.
In pediatric studies of people 3 months to 21 years old, 86 percent achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA below 400 copies per milliliter through 48 weeks. Also, 73 percent achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA below 50 copies per milliliter. Emtriva was used with at least two other antiretroviral medicines.
How often is Emtriva taken for HIV?
Emtriva is taken by mouth once daily. It may be taken with or without food.
For adults, the recommended dose is one 200-milligram capsule once daily or 240 milligrams, equal to 24 milliliters, of oral solution once daily.
For infants from birth through 3 months old, the recommended dose is 3 milligrams per kilogram of oral solution once daily.
For children from 3 months through 17 years old, the recommended dose is 6 milligrams per kilogram of oral solution once daily, up to a maximum of 240 milligrams, equal to 24 milliliters.
Children who weigh more than 33 kilograms and can swallow an intact capsule may take one 200-milligram capsule once daily.
Adults with reduced kidney function may need a different dose or dosing interval based on their creatinine clearance, a test used to measure kidney function. On dialysis days, the dose should be taken after dialysis.
Can Emtriva be used with other medicines for HIV?
Yes. Emtriva is used with other HIV medicines.
Studies found no important drug interactions with zidovudine, indinavir, stavudine, famciclovir, or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Note that indinavir and stavudine have been discontinued in the United States.
Emtriva is also unlikely to affect the way the body processes many other medicines.
On myHIVteam, people share their experiences with HIV, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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