Emtricitabine


DNX5083.HTM

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

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):Emtriva
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to emtricitabine. You should not use this medicine if you have both HIV and hepatitis B. Do not give this medicine to a child who is younger than 3 months old.

How to Use This Medicine:
Capsule, Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the capsules in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light
  • It is best to store the oral liquid in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. If you keep the liquid at room temperature, throw away any unused liquid after 3 months have passed.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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


Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.
  • You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.

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.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
  • Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or nausea and vomiting.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

  • Changes in skin color on your hands or feet.
  • Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
  • Headache, weakness.
  • Mild nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset.
  • Mild skin rash or itching.
  • Runny or stuffy nose, cough.

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