Emtricitabine
Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used to treat HIV-1 infection, always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. It is listed for Biktarvy, Tenvir-em, Viraday and Trustiva, each a combination tablet built around it.
Key points
- Emtricitabine 5’-triphosphate is the active form your body converts it into; it blocks the HIV-1 enzyme reverse transcriptase, stopping the virus copying its genetic code.
- Biktarvy combines emtricitabine with bictegravir and tenofovir alafenamide, while Tenvir-em pairs it with tenofovir disoproxil alone; Viraday and Trustiva add efavirenz to that same pairing.
- Skin hyperpigmentation, especially on the palms or soles, was very common in children taking emtricitabine, affecting 10% or more.
What emtricitabine is used for
Every emtricitabine medicine listed here is a combination tablet, taken with other antiretroviral medicines to bring HIV-1 infection under control. Tenvir-em, one of these combination tablets, is also listed for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, taken before any exposure to lower the chance of catching HIV in the first place.
If you also have hepatitis B
Emtricitabine carries a boxed warning: in people who have both HIV-1 and hepatitis B and then stop taking it, severe flare-ups of hepatitis B, including liver decompensation and liver failure, have been reported. Anyone in this position should be closely monitored, with clinical and laboratory follow-up, for several months or more after stopping. If appropriate, starting treatment against hepatitis B on its own may be warranted, especially for people with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis.