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Emtriva (emtricitabine, FTC)
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What is Emtriva?
Emtriva belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors that are used to treat HIV infection. In order to treat HIV effectively,
Emtriva MUST be taken in combination with other HIV medications.
How does Emtriva work?
Emtriva interferes with a very important HIV specific enzyme and impairs
the ability of the HIV virus from replicating. When Emtriva is taken in
combination with other HIV medications the goal is to prevent the virus
from further weakening the immune system. Emtriva is very similar to Epivir
(lamivudine, 3TC) and is unlikely to be effective if you have already developed
resistance to Epivir.
How should Emtriva be taken?
Emtriva is a blue and white capsule (200 mg) that should be taken once a
day with or without food.
What are the potential side effects of Emtriva?
Emtriva is very well tolerated. Some patients may experience nausea, weakness,
headache, and skin discoloration.
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