| What is Emtriva used for?
Emtriva is a type of medicine called an HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus) nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitor (NRTI). Emtriva helps to block HIV reverse
transcriptase, a chemical in your body (enzyme) that is needed
for HIV to multiply. Emtriva is always used with other
anti-HIV medicines to treat people with HIV infection. Emtriva
is for adults age 18 and older. Emtriva has not been studied
fully in children under age 18 or adults over age 65.
Emtriva does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. The long-term
effects of Emtriva are not known at this time. Emtriva may
lower the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load). Emtriva
may also help to increase the number of T cells called CD4
cells. Lowering the amount of HIV in the blood lowers the
chance of death or infections that happen when your immune
system is weak (opportunistic infections). People taking
Emtriva may still get opportunistic infections or other
conditions that happen with HIV infection.
Emtriva does not lower your chances of passing HIV to other
people through sexual contact, sharing needles, or being
exposed to blood. For your health and the health of others,
it is important to always practice safe sex and never use or
share dirty needles.
It is
very important that you see your healthcare provider regularly
while taking Emtriva.
Who should not take Emtriva?
Do not take Emtriva if you are allergic to Emtriva
or any of its ingredients.
Special Warnings:
- Some people who have taken medicines like Emtriva
(a nucleoside analog) have developed a serious condition
called lactic acidosis (buildup of an acid in the blood).
Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency and may need to
be treated in the hospital.
- Some people who have taken medicines like Emtriva
have developed serious liver problems called hepatotoxicity,
with liver enlargement and fat in the liver called steatosis.
- You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or
liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese),
or have been taking nucleoside analog medicines, like
Emtriva, for a long time.
General Precautions with Emtriva:
- Do not breast-feed.
- Avoid doing things that can spread HIV infection
since Emtriva does not stop you from passing HIV infection
to others.
- Do not share needles or other injection
equipment.
- Do not share personal items that can have blood
or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes or razor blades.
- Do not have sex of any kind without protection.
Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane
condom or other barrier to reduce the chance of sexual
contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
What should I tell my health care provider?
Tell your health care provider:
- if you are pregnant or planning to become
pregnant.
- if you are breast-feeding.
- if you have kidney problems.
- if you have any liver problems including
Hepatitis B Virus infection.
- about all your medical conditions.
- about all the medicines you take, such as
prescription and non-prescription medicines and dietary
supplements.
What are some possible side effects of Emtriva?
(This is NOT a complete list of side
effects reported with Emtriva. Your health care provider or
pharmacist can discuss with you a more complete list of side
effects.)
Serious side effects with Emtriva include:
- lactic acidosis
- serious liver problems
- ?flare-ups? of hepatitis B virus infection.
Patients with hepatitis B virus infection, who take Emtriva
and then stop it, may get ?flare-ups? of their hepatitis. A
?flare-up? is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse
way than before. Emtriva is not for the treatment of
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection.
Some common side effects with Emtriva include:
- changes in body fat distribution
- headache
- diarrhea
- nausea
- rash
- skin discoloration
The long-term effects of Emtriva are not known at
this time.
For more detailed information about Emtriva, ask your
health care provider or pharmacist.
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