Emtricitabine is prescribed to individuals who have been diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to reduce their risk of developing serious health complications caused by a destroyed immune system. This medication can also help patients diagnosed with HIV slow the virus’ effect on the immune system, reducing the risk of HIV developing into AIDS.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that damages your body’s immune system. HIV is transmitted through sexual contact or contact with infected blood. Pregnant women may pass this disease to their unborn child, or through breastfeeding. HIV is the early stage of the infection that may progress to become AIDS. If left untreated, HIV usually develops into AIDS within 8-10 months - once the virus has severely damaged the immune system.

HIV/ AIDS dramatically affects your body’s ability to fight infection. Individuals managing AIDS may become fatally ill from a disease that causes mild symptoms in healthy individuals.

Deaths caused by HIV/ AIDS have decreased in the last 10-20 years, however, the disease is still deadly if left untreated. Emtricitabine helps patients diagnosed with HIV prevent these complications from occurring.

Emtricitabine is classified as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). These drugs work by blocking the action of the reverse transcriptase enzyme. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the reproduction of HIV cells. By inhibiting this enzyme, NRTIs slow the multiplication of HIV cells in the body – which ultimately lowers the overall level of HIV in the blood.

It is important to note that emtricitabine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, nor can it be used to prevent an HIV infection. Emtricitabine is prescribed to individuals who have already been diagnosed with HIV to help slow the progression of the virus. This helps patients reduce the risk of contracting AIDS or other serious complications caused by a compromised immune system.

The use of emtricitabine may cause side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported when taking emtricitabine include:

• Headache
  
• Indigestion
  
• Sleep problems
  
• Nausea
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Joint pain
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, fever, or hoarseness while taking emtricitabine.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before taking emtricitabine. Emtricitabine can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication.

Emtricitabine is commonly supplied as an oral tablet or liquid.

Oral tablet: The typical preliminary dose of emtricitabine prescribed to adults starts at 200 mg to be taken once a day. Children between the ages of 3 and 17 who can swallow oral tablets whole are also prescribed a single daily dosage of 200 mg.

Oral liquid: The typical preliminary dose of emtricitabine prescribed to adults starts at 240 mg or 24 mL to be taken once a day. Children between the ages of 3 and 17 are also prescribed a single daily dosage of 240 mg.

The dosage of emtricitabine may be increased as needed. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of emtricitabine without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Emtricitabine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not emtricitabine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for emtricitabine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.