Emtriva - An Overview In 2003, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Emtriva (emtricitabine) for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. It belongs to a class of antiretroviral drugs called Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs). Its mechanism of action is that it prevents the virus from replicating by blocking the activity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme. Uses of Emtriva Emtriva is predominantly used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. In addition to being an efficient treatment option for HIV-1, it can also be used as a preventative measure for certain people who are at high risk of contracting HIV. The drug is sold as a single agent under the brand name Emtriva. Dosage Emtriva dosage is determined based on the individual's body weight. The recommended dosing of Emtriva for adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 33 pounds (15 kg) is a 200 mg capsule to be taken once daily with or without food. For pediatric patients weighing between 11 - <15 kg, the dosage is 6 mg/kg once every day. Demographic Emtriva can be used for all adult patients living with HIV-1 infection irrespective of their age, sex, race, and ethnicity. According to the drug labeling, the safety and effectiveness of Emtriva for treating HIV-1 in pediatric patients weighing at least 33 pounds (15 kg) have been established. Side Effects Like any other drug, Emtriva may cause side effects. Usually, patients experience no side effect or only mild ones; sometimes, more severe side effects may occur. Common side effects of Emtriva include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, and fatigue. Emtriva, in rare cases, can lead to severe side effects such as lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly with steatosis, hypersensitivity reactions, skin and mucous membrane abnormalities, hematologic toxicity, and worsening of hepatitis B. Patients who experience any severe side effects while taking the drug should seek immediate medical attention. Interactions Emtriva can interact with other drugs, supplements, and herbal medicines. Hence, before taking Emtriva, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products they are using to avoid drug-drug interactions. One of the significant interactions of Emtriva is its ability to reduce the effectiveness of Didanosine (DDI) by reducing its absorption in the body. Therefore, patients taking Emtriva and DDI should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider. Generic Options Emtriva is also available in a generic form. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts but are usually less expensive. Emtriva is prescribed generically as emtricitabine. The generic version of the drug, like the brand-name, is available in a 200 mg dose. In Conclusion, Emtriva is an efficient treatment option for adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 33 pounds living with HIV-1 infection. The drug can be used alone as well as in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Patients who experience any side effects while taking the drug should seek immediate medical attention. Finally, before taking Emtriva, patients should notify their healthcare provider of any other medication, supplements, or herbal products they are taking to avoid drug interactions.