Emtricitabine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug Emtricitabine?

What is emtricitabine for?

This drug is generally used in conjunction with other HIV medicines to help manage HIV disease. This medicine helps you to reduce the amount of HIV virus in your body so that your immune system can work better. With this drug which works to reduce the amount of the HIV virus in the body, its impact will also reduce your risk for HIV complications (such as infection and cancer) and can improve your quality of life. This drug belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs.

But keep in mind that this drug is not a cure for HIV infection. To reduce the risk of spreading HIV to others, try the following: (1) Continue to take all HIV medications exactly as directed by your doctor, (2) always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms / dental dams) while you are engaging in sexual activity, and (3) not sharing personal items such as needles / syringes, toothbrushes, and razors that may have been contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

This drug can also be used in combination with other HIV drugs that can reduce your risk of getting HIV infection after you come in contact with the HIV virus. Consult your doctor for more details.

How is emtricitabine used?

You can take this medication before or after food or as directed by your doctor. If you are using a liquid medicine, be careful when you measure the dose, make sure you use a special measuring device / spoon. Don't use a regular tablespoon to reduce the risk of measuring it wrong.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is based on body weight. Do not change your medication from liquid to capsule.

This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at the same time every day.

It is very important to continue taking this medicine (and other HIV medicines) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Don't miss any doses. Refill your medication before you run out.
Do not take too little of this medicine or exceed the recommended dose or do not stop taking this drug (or any other HIV medicines) for even a short time unless you are advised by your doctor. Skipping or changing doses without a doctor's approval can cause an increase in the viral load, make the infection harder to treat (become resistant), or get worse side effects.

How is emtricitabine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Emtricitabine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the adult dosage for emtricitabine?

Adult dosage for HIV infection

Capsules: 200 mg taken once a day

Solution: 240 mg (24 mg) orally once a day

Approved indications: In combination with other ARV drugs, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection

What is the dose of emtricitabine for children?

Child dosage for HIV infection

Oral solution:

0-3 months: 3 mg / kg orally once a day

3 months to 17 years: 6 mg / kg orally once daily

Maximum dose: 240 mg (24 mL)

Capsule:

3 months to 17 years, the child weighs more than 33 kg, and is able to swallow a whole capsule: 200 mg taken once a day
Approved indications: combination with other ARVs, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection

In what dosage is emtricitabine available?

Capsules, taken by mouth: 200 mg

Solution, taken by mouth: 10 mg / mL

Emtricitabine side effects

What side effects can emtricitabine have?

Common side effects include tingling / numbness, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness.

Stop using this medicine and seek medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives. hard to breath; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This drug can cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the body) which can be fatal. Lactic acidosis appears slowly and will get worse over time. Seek medical help if you have mild symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as:

• muscle pain or weakness
• numbness or coldness in the arms and legs
• difficulty breathing
• feeling lightheaded, dizzy, tired, or very weak
• stomach pain, nausea with vomiting
• irregular heartbeat

Stop using this drug and seek medical help if you experience the following serious side effects:

• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or unusual bleeding, loss of appetite, mouth sores;
• nausea, upper abdominal pain, hives, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
• profuse sweating, trembling hands, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems (insomnia);
• diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, menstrual changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex
• swelling in the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
• a feeling of prickling in the fingers or toes
• problems with walking, breathing, speaking, swallowing, or eye movements
• severe low back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control.

Mild side effects such as:

• headache, dizziness
• mild diarrhea, mild nausea, abdominal pain
• dark marks on the skin on the palms or palms
• strange dream
• cough and cold
• mild skin rash
• changes in the shape of the body fat spots (especially on the arms, legs, face, neck, chest, and trunk).

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Emtricitabine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using emtricitabine?

Before starting treatment, you should contact your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to emtricitabine, any of these ingredients, or to any other medicines.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you are taking along with any vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or want to take.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, types of infections that do not go away or that can recur such as tuberculosis (TB) or cytomegalovirus (CMV; viral infections that can cause symptoms in patients with systems weak immunity) or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are in the process of becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking the medicine, contact your doctor.

Your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body such as the breasts and upper back.

Is emtricitabine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Emtricitabine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with emtricitabine?

Although there are certain drugs that should not be used together with this drug, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if an interaction is possible. In this case, your doctor may want to change the dose, or take other precautions that may be needed.

Can food or alcohol interact with emtricitabine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with emtricitabine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should not be used in patients with this condition. You or your child may get this medicine to treat HIV infection even if you also have hepatitis B virus infection. Your doctor will monitor you closely for several months after you stop taking emtricitabine.
• Kidney illness. Use with care. The effect can be increased because the release of the drug from the body is slower.

Emtricitabine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.