University of Washington

AIDS Clinical Trials Group

Drug Information Sheet

Emtricitabine

Other Names: FTC, Coviracil^®

Manufacturer: Triangle Pharmaceuticals

What is it?

Emtricitabine is an antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV, a retrovirus. Retroviruses use the genetic material in the body’s cells to produce more virus which can infect other cells. Because emtricitabine may also decrease the amount of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) found in the bloodstream, it may also be studied as a treatment to prevent liver damage that is caused by HBV.

How does it work?

Emtricitabine interferes with the life cycles of HIV and HBV to stop them from producing more virus. Specifically, emtricitabine ties up the DNA polymerase enzyme so that HIV and HBV cannot build the genetic material needed to make more virus and infect more cells.

For the treatment of HIV, a specific DNA polymerase enzyme called reverse transcriptase is blocked. Because of this, emtricitabine is commonly called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). When treating HIV, this medication is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to inhibit HIV reproduction.

How do I take it?

· Emtricitabine is available as 100 mg and 200 mg capsules.

· The usual dose of emtricitabine is 1 capsule (200 mg) once daily.

· Emtricitabine may be taken with or without food.

It is extremely important that you take emtricitabine and any other antiviral medications exactly as directed. You should set up a system that will help you remember to take your medicines so that you do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; however, if you skip a dose, do not take two doses at once. Do not stop taking the medication for any reason at any time unless you are directed to do so by your study clinician. If you are unable to continue taking your medication due to side effects, you should contact your study clinician immediately.

Special Considerations

· Emtricitabine should be stored at controlled room temperature in a dry place, out of the reach of children.

· Please bring your medication bottles (empty and partially used) to each study visit.

Interactions

Some drugs taken together may have interactions that cause illness or impair the effectiveness of the drugs. Because emtricitabine is a new medication, studies are being done to determine what interactions there might be with other medications. It is a good idea to always check with your study clinician before taking any other medications, prescription or otherwise, to be sure it will not interact with emtricitabine.

Side Effects

Not everyone experiences side effects. When they do occur, they may be mild, moderate or severe. Some side effects cannot be felt by the patient but can be found through laboratory tests, so it is important to see your study clinician regularly for checkups so that adverse effects can be detected early and treated.

The most common side effects of emtricitabine are headache, infection, asthenia (weakness or lack of energy), nausea, diarrhea, rhinitis (inflammation in the nose), rash, and sore throat.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the use of this drug as a treatment for HIV and HBV in research studies only.

Last Updated: 6/6/02