Basic
Informations
Emtriva is an HIV medication.
It is in a category of HIV medicines called nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Emtriva prevents HIV from entering
the nucleus of healthy CD4 cells. This prevents the cells from
producing new virus and decreases the amount of virus in the body.
Emtriva, manufactured by Gilead Sciences, was approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV in 2003.
Emtriva is available in pharmacies as a single drug, which is always
combined with other HIV drugs, or in the fixed-dose combination
tablets Truvada (Viread and Emtriva) and Atripla (Viread, Emtriva,
and Sustiva [efavirenz]).
Emtriva is also active against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the
virus responsible for hepatitis B. Although it has not been approved
by the FDA for the treatment of hepatitis B, some doctors prescribe
it to treat both hepatitis B and HIV. See What is known about side
effects? below for more important information regarding Emtriva and
hepatitis B.
Drugs
Interactions
Emtriva should not be taken at
the same time as Atripla, Truvada, Epivir or other combination
tablets that contain Epivir (for example, Epzicom, Combivir, or
Trizivir). This is because these medications contain the same or
similar active ingredients as Emtriva.
No significant drug interactions have been identified. However, this
does not mean that other interactions aren't possible. More research
is needed to understand the possible interactions between Emtriva
and other medications.
Side
Effects
The most common side effects
caused by drug regimens containing Emtriva are headache, diarrhea
and nausea. Other side effects include allergic reaction, dizziness,
sleeping problems, abnormal dreams, vomiting, indigestion, stomach
pain, pain, weakness and rash. Skin discoloration (small spots and
freckles) may also happen with Emtriva.
Lactic acidosis, which can be fatal, and severe liver problems have
been reported in people taking nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors (NRTIs). Contact your doctor immediately if you
experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach
discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in
the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the
lower stomach area.
If you have hepatitis B and HIV and plan to stop taking Emtriva, you
need close medical follow-up and for several months and your doctor
might want to frequently check your liver enzymes after stopping
treatment. This is because Emtriva is also active against the
hepatitis B virus (HBV). If Emtriva is stopped abruptly, it can
cause liver disease to "flare" and damage the liver.
Other side effects may occur as a result of taking Emtriva. Be sure
to discuss any and all side effects you experience while taking HIV
medications with your healthcare provider.
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