Emtricitabine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Emtriva
CategoryDescriptionEmtricitabine (em-tri-SIT-uh-bean)
is a type
of medicine called an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). Emtricitabine is always used with other anti-HIV
medicines to treat people with HIV infection.
HIV infection destroys CD4 (T) cells, which are important to the immune
system in your body. The immune system helps fight infection. After a large
number of T cells are destroyed, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
develops.
Emtricitabine helps to block HIV reverse transcriptase, a chemical in your
body (enzyme) that is needed for HIV to multiply. Emtricitabine may lower
the amount of HIV in your blood (viral load). Emtricitabine may also help
to increase the number of T cells called CD4 cells. Lowering the amount of
HIV in your blood lowers the chance of you having problems that happens when
your immune system is weak.
Emtricitabine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however,
it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction
of the immune system.
Emtricitabine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People
who receive this medicine may continue to have the problems usually related
to AIDS or HIV disease
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the
following dosage form(s):
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
† Not commercially available in Canada.
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