Home :: Drugs :: Emtricitabine

Emtricitabine - Learn about Emtricitabine Side Effects and Precautions

Emtricitabine Information

The pharmacology action of Emtricitabine is that it inhibits activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by competing with the natural substrate deoxycytidine 5´-triphosphate and by being incorporated into nascent viral DNA, resulting in chain termination.

Emtricitabine is used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infections in adults

Interaction and Contraindication of Emtricitabine

Interaction of Emtricitabine - Alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam:  May increase blood levels of these drugs, which may produce extreme sedation and respiratory depression. Do not administer concurrently.
Clarithromycin, indinavir, methadone, saquinavir:  Emtricitabine may decrease plasma concentrations, which could reduce activity of these agents.
Cisapride, ergot derivatives:  May elevate levels of these drugs, which may increase the risk of arrhythmias, hematologic abnormalities, or other potentially serious adverse effects. Do not coadminister.
Ethinyl estradiol, nelfinavir, ritonavir:  Emtricitabine may increase plasma concentrations, which could increase activity or toxicity of these agents.
Phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital:  Plasma concentrations of the anticonvulsant or Emtricitabine may decrease.
Rifampin:  May decrease plasma levels of Emtricitabine, which may reduce antiviral activity.
Ritonavir:  May increase Emtricitabine plasma level, which could increase side effects.
St. John's wort:  May reduce Emtricitabine plasma concentrations, which may decrease the clinical efficacy.
Warfarin:  Plasma concentrations may be increased or decreased

Contraindication of Emtricitabine - Concomitant use with cisapride, ergot derivatives, midazolam, or triazolam; hypersensitivity to product.

Side Effects of Emtricitabine

Here are the list of some common side effects of Emtricitabine :

• Headache (13%); insomnia (7%); depressive disorders (6%); paresthesia (5%); dizziness, neuropathy/peripheral neuritis (4%); abnormal dreams (2%).
• Rash; skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation on palms and/or soles); rash event (including rash, pruritus, maculopapular rash, urticaria, vesiculobullous rash, pustular rash, allergic reaction [17%]).
• Rhinitis (18%).
• Diarrhea (23%); nausea (18%); vomiting (9%); dyspepsia (4%).
• Increased cough (14%).
• Asthenia (16%); abdominal pain (8%); arthralgia (3%); myalgia (4%).

Precaution and Warning while taking Emtricitabine

The precaution and warnings of Emtricitabine drug is as follows:

• Explain name, dose, action, and potential side effects of drug.
• Warn patient that this drug is not to be used by itself but is combined with other antiviral agents and to not change the dose or stop taking any of the antiviral agents unless advised by health care provider.
• Advise patient to take prescribed dose qd without regard to meals but to take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Advise patient that if a dose is missed to take the dose as soon as possible and then return to their normal schedule. However, if it is within 6 hr of the next dose to skip the dose and take the next dose at the regular time. If a dose is skipped caution patient to not double the dose to catch up but to continue with their normal schedule unless advised by health care provider.
• Instruct patient to report these symptoms immediately to health care provider: persistent nausea or vomiting, profound weakness or tiredness, unexpected stomach discomfort, difficulty breathing.
• Inform patient that drug does not completely eliminate HIV virus and, therefore, does not reduce risk of transmitting HIV to others. Appropriate precautions must still be followed.
• Advise patient that the drug is not a cure for HIV infection and illnesses associated with HIV infection, including opportunistic infections, as they may continue to be acquired. Patient should remain under the care of health care provider.
• Instruct patient not to take any prescription or OTC medications or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Caution HIV-infected mother that breastfeeding could cause HIV infection in the baby.
• Remind patient that examinations and laboratory tests will be required to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.

How to store Emtricitabine

• Administer prescribed dose qd.
• May be administered without regard to meals. Administer with food if GI upset occurs.
• Store capsules at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).