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 Emtriva (em-treev'-ah) is for use in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Emtriva is available as capsules or an oral solution and is taken once daily with or without food.
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How does Emtriva work?
Emtriva is in the
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI or "nuke") family. Emtriva helps to block
reverse transcriptase, a special protein that is needed for HIV to multiply (
replicate). By interfering with the
replication process, Emtriva as part of combination therapy helps to lower
viral load and increase
CD4 cell count.
It is important for anyone taking Emtriva to note that Emtriva:
- Does not cure HIV infection or AIDS
- Has not been shown to lower your chance of passing HIV to others
- Should only be taken in combination with other drugs for HIV
- Should not be taken if you are already taking Atripla™, Truvada®, Combivir®, Epivir®, Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom™ or Trizivir® because these medicines contain the same or similar active ingredients
What is the dosing for Emtriva?
Adult Patients (18 years of age and older):
- Emtriva Capsules: one 200 mg capsule administered once daily orally
- Emtriva Oral Solution: 240 mg (24 mL) administered once daily orally
Pediatric Patients (0 – 3 months of age):
- Emtriva Oral Solution: 3 mg/kg administered once daily orally
Pediatric Patients (3 months through 17 years):
- Emtriva Oral Solution: 6 mg/kg up to a maximum of 240 mg (24 mL) administered once daily orally
- Emtriva Capsules: for children weighing more than 33 kg who can swallow an intact capsule, one 200 mg capsule administered once daily orally
See
full Prescribing Information for dose adjustment recommendations in patients with impaired kidney function.
Indication
EMTRIVA is indicated in combination with other anti-HIV agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Important Safety Information
• Lactic acidosis (a buildup of acid in the blood) can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, unusual muscle pain and/or weakness
• Serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis), may occur. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have light-colored stools, dark-colored urine and/or if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
• "Flare-ups" of Hepatitis B Virus infection (HBV): If you have HIV and HBV, your liver disease may suddenly get worse if you stop taking EMTRIVA. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition for several months after stopping EMTRIVA if you have both HIV and HBV infection. Do not stop taking EMTRIVA unless directed by your healthcare provider.
Changes in body fat have been seen in some people taking anti-HIV medicines.
The most common side effects of EMTRIVA are headache, diarrhea, nausea and rash. Skin discoloration (spots and freckles) may also occur.
Discuss all medicines you take with your healthcare provider and be aware:
• EMTRIVA should not be used with Atripla, Combivir, Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, Trizivir or Truvada
For additional important safety information and details about indication and usage, see the full Prescribing Information.
