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Emtricitabine

emtriva.jpg

Emtricitabine is suitable for both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced people when combined with another NRTIA type of anti-HIV drug that works by inhibiting a stage of the HIV life cycle called reverse transcription. Non-nucleosides work in a similar way, but are chemically different. - preferably tenofovir - plus either a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitorA type of anti-HIV drug that works by preventing the production of an enzyme, protease, that HIV needs to replicate. or an NNRTI.

It is also effective against hepatitis B, but should be used with caution in people with kidney disease.

Generic name: emtricitabine (FTC)
Pronunciation:em tri SYT uh been
Brand name:Emtriva
Also known as:Coviracil
2’,3’-dideoxy-5-fluoro-3’-thiacytidine
Drug class:nucleoside analogue
Pregnancy safe?Not suitable for use in pregnancy. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, you should not take this treatment.
Availability in Australia:
  • Available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) through S100 prescribers.
  • This drug may be available through clinical trials in Australia.
  • You may be able to import this drug from overseas for your personal use.
Presentation:200mg capsule
Links:

Like most anti-HIV drugs, emtricitabine must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Commonly, emtricitabine is combined with one other nucleoside (NRTI) drug and either a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside, although other combinations are sometimes used. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.

Dosage

The normal adult dose is one 200mg once a day.

Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

With or without food?

Emtricitabine may be taken with or without food.

Side effects

All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.

  • Common side effects may include nausea (upset stomach, feeling sick to the stomach), diarrhoea, headache, rash.
  • Less common side effects may include skin discolouration.
  • Rare side effects may include abnormal kidney function.

    • It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Interactions with other drugs

There have been few studies on the interaction of emtricitabine (FTC) with other drugs however it has a low potential for interaction. It is not recommended to take FTC with 3TC because they work in similar ways.
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Consumer Medical Information (CMI) leaflet for emtricitabine30.1 KBCMR06755.pdfPDF

Getting spine: the nucleoside backbone

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 19 January 2006

Nucleoside analoguesA type of anti-HIV drug that works by inhibiting a stage of the HIV life cycle called reverse transcription. Non-nucleosides work in a similar way, but are chemically different. are the backbone of successful anti-HIV treatments. This article examines some of the issues involved in selecting the best nucleoside backbone. read more »

FTC approved, ddC to be withdrawn

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 19 May 2005

A new antiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. medication, FTC (emtricitabine, Emtriva) was listed on the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs.] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. and became available for S100 prescription from 1 April. read more »

The power of one

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 15 December 2003

We all want simpler treatment regimens with fewer side effects and no meal restrictions, right? Well how does once-a-day treatment sound? As PAUL KIDD reports, it may be closer than you think. read more »

News and treatments briefs

Positive Living article • Paul Kidd • 1 February 2003
Positive women

Selected brief news items from the pages of Positive Living. read more »

2001 European HIV conference, Athens

Story • Kirsty Machon • 28 October 2001

A report from the 8th European Conference on the ClinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. Aspects and Treatment of HIV Infection, held in Athens, Greece in October, 2001. read more »

The table below shows all the clinical trials in the database with the keyword emtricitabine (FTC).

Short titleStatus
Cobicistat and renal function Enrolling
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This Treatments database entry was first published on 28 May 2009 — more than two years ago.

While the content of this treatments database entry was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

This article may contain medical information. NAPWA makes every reasonable effort to ensure the information on this website is accurate, reliable and up-to-date, including obtaining technical reviews by medically-qualified reviewers, however the authors of information on this website are not qualified to give medical advice, except where explicitly stated.

The content of this website is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between people living with HIV/AIDS and their medical advisers, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

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