An antiretroviral (HIV) medicine

Emtricitabine

An antiretroviral that forms part of combination treatment for HIV and is a key ingredient of PrEP.

What is Emtricitabine?

Emtricitabine is an antiretroviral medicine (a reverse transcriptase inhibitor) used as part of combination treatment for HIV, and as a component of HIV PrEP. It does not cure HIV but, taken every day as prescribed, helps keep the virus suppressed. It is almost always paired with other antiretrovirals such as tenofovir.

Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Emtricitabine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review
Class: Antiretrovirals (HIV) → Brands: Emtriva
Emtricitabine (Antiretrovirals (HIV)) — Meds Global Health reference card with 2D molecular structure
Emtricitabine — Antiretrovirals (HIV). The image shows the active ingredient's 2D molecular structure.

What it is

Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat HIV, and it is also active against hepatitis B. It is rarely used alone; instead it is a building block of many combination tablets, frequently paired with tenofovir. The same pairing is also used in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help prevent HIV.

How it works

Like other reverse transcriptase inhibitors, emtricitabine imitates one of the building blocks HIV needs to copy its genetic material. When the virus tries to use it, the copying process is blocked, so HIV cannot multiply. Lowering the amount of virus protects the immune system and, when the viral load is undetectable, means HIV cannot be passed on.

Company & origin

Originated / developed by: Developed by Gilead Sciences; widely used within combination products..

Approved for HIV in the early 2000s and a standard component of UK HIV regimens and PrEP.

Practical use

How to take Emtricitabine

General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.

  • Take it every day, at around the same time, as part of your HIV regimen.
  • It can usually be taken with or without food.
  • Keep taking it even when you feel completely well.
  • Do not skip or stop doses, as this can let the virus become resistant.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next is near, then skip it; do not double up.
  • Tell your team if side effects make it hard to keep taking it every day.

Weighing it up

Advantages & disadvantages of Emtricitabine

Advantages

  • Generally very well tolerated, with few troublesome side effects.
  • Combines neatly with tenofovir in convenient single tablets.
  • Used both to treat HIV and, as part of PrEP, to help prevent it.

Disadvantages

  • Must be taken every day; missed doses risk resistance.
  • Only effective as part of a combination, not on its own.
  • Like related medicines, stopping can flare hepatitis B if that virus is also present.

Practical use

Good to know

Emtricitabine needs to be taken every day, exactly as prescribed, to keep working and to prevent resistance. It is not a cure for HIV. It is mild and generally well tolerated, but it only does its job when combined with the other antiretrovirals in your regimen. If you also have hepatitis B, stopping emtricitabine suddenly can cause your hepatitis to flare badly, so never stop it without medical advice.

Who should not take it / use with caution

  • People who are allergic to emtricitabine.
  • People with significant kidney impairment may need dose adjustment or a different option.
  • Anyone with hepatitis B should be assessed before starting and before stopping.

Monitoring

  • HIV viral load and CD4 count to confirm the regimen is working.
  • Kidney function, especially within combination products.
  • Hepatitis B status where relevant, as stopping can cause a flare.

Side effects

  • Headache, nausea and diarrhoea, usually mild.
  • Skin darkening of the palms or soles in some people.
  • Tiredness or dizziness early in treatment.

Key interactions

  • Few major interactions, but it is part of regimens whose other ingredients can interact.
  • Other medicines affecting the kidneys may need consideration.
  • Share a full medicines list with your HIV team before adding anything new.

Available as: Available as capsules or tablets, usually combined with other antiretrovirals.

Answers

Emtricitabine: frequently asked questions

Is emtricitabine used on its own?

Almost never. It is one ingredient within combination HIV treatment, typically paired with tenofovir, and it works as part of the whole regimen.

Does emtricitabine cure HIV?

No. It helps keep the virus suppressed so the immune system can recover, but it must be taken continuously and does not remove HIV from the body.

Can it be taken with food?

Yes, it can generally be taken with or without food. Follow the specific advice for your combination product.

Is emtricitabine part of PrEP?

Yes. The emtricitabine and tenofovir combination is a standard form of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for people at higher risk.

What happens if I stop suddenly?

Stopping can let HIV rebound and, if you also have hepatitis B, can flare your liver disease. Never stop without your team's advice.

The wider class

About Antiretrovirals (HIV)

Emtricitabine belongs to the antiretrovirals (hiv) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.

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Authoritative sources

  • BNF
  • NICE CKS

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