What is the most important information I should know about emtricitabine?
This medication may cause lactic acidosis (the build up of lactic acid in the body).
Lactic acidosis can start slowly and gradually get worse. Symptoms include unusual muscle pain
or weakness,
numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing,
nausea with
vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, dizziness, and feeling very weak or tired. Contact your
doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms, even if they are only mild. Early signs of
lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal.
Emtricitabine may also cause severe liver damage, which can be fatal. Call your
doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms of liver problems: nausea,
stomach pain, low
fever,
loss of appetite,
dark urine,
clay-colored stools, or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Treatment of HIV/AIDS almost always requires using many medicines together. To best
treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your
doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS
should remain under the care of a doctor.
Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this
medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about
safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is
never safe, even for a healthy person.
What is emtricitabine?
Emtricitabine is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called
reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Emtricitabine works by preventing HIV cells from multiplying
in the body.
Emtricitabine is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Emtricitabine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Emtricitabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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