Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Emtricitabine (also known by the brand name Emtriva) to control your HIV status? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about this medication. "What does it do?", "How do I use it?", "Are there
any side effects ?" You may be wondering. Don't worry, it's normal. In this article, we'll find simple, clear answers to all your questions.
What is Emtricitabine?
Simply put, Emtricitabine is
an antiretroviral drug. It is a type of medication used to treat HIV infection. The important thing to understand here is that this is not a stand-alone medication. It is used
in combination with several other medications to control the HIV virus.
Keep in mind, this medicine does not completely cure HIV infection . However, it does control the activity of the HIV virus in your body and reduce the number of viruses that multiply. This protects your immune system and helps you live a healthy life.
Also, when used correctly, this medicine can reduce the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to another person. But it does not eliminate the risk completely. That is why it is very important to talk to your doctor about safe methods.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
For your safety and the success of your treatment, it is essential that you give your doctor a complete description of your health before starting this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you.
| Information you need to provide | Why is that? |
|---|
| If you have kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to change the dosage. |
| If you have liver disease (especially Hepatitis B) | Emtricitabine can sometimes affect the liver. If a person with hepatitis B suddenly stops taking this medicine, symptoms may worsen. |
| If you are an alcoholic | Combining alcohol and this medication may increase the effects on the liver. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | You should talk to the doctor about how this medicine will affect the child and make decisions based on his advice. |
| If you have an allergy to Emtricitabine or any other medicine or food. | This is important to know if you are at risk of developing allergies. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
- This capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time . Don't skip doses.
- You can take this before or after meals, but if you feel upset or nauseous, it is best to take it with food .
- Most importantly: No matter how well you feel, do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice. Skipping doses or stopping your medication can cause the virus to become resistant to this medication and other HIV medications . This means that the medication may stop working in the future.
What if you give it to small children?
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 3 months of age. However, this should be decided by a pediatrician. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital
Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Emtricitabine can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, while others are mild. It is important to be aware of these.
🚨 Notify your doctor immediately!🙂 Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome
| Side effect | Description |
|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, etc. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite, pale stools. |
| Lactic Acidosis Symptoms | Muscle pain, unusual stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Headache, diarrhea | These can occur as the body adjusts to the medication. |
| Unusual sleepiness, cough | Some people may experience things like this. |
| Changes in body fat distribution | Enlargement of the waist and back or thinning of the face, arms, and legs. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Emtricitabine is a drug that controls the HIV virus and is taken with other medications, but it does not completely cure the disease.
- Do not stop taking your medication or skip doses for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins , herbal products, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as symptoms of liver damage or severe allergies, seek medical advice immediately.
- Go to the clinic on the scheduled dates, have the necessary blood tests , and continue the treatment exactly. Your cooperation is essential for the success of the treatment.
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