Emtricitabine

Pronounced em-try-SIT-ah-been

Brand names: Emtriva

Type: Antiviral (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

What Emtricitabine is used for

  • HIV infection, combined with other HIV medicines
  • Preventing HIV infection (PrEP), in combinations

◆ Kidney note

Dose interval is extended when kidney function is reduced.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Skin darkening on palms or soles

Important cautions

  • Stopping it in people with hepatitis B can trigger a hepatitis flare — never stop without medical advice

How it comes

Capsules, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.