EMTRICITABINE (FTC)

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) antiretroviral medicine

Dosage forms

Capsule

200 mg

FDC tablet

TDF 300 mg + FTC 200 mg + EFV 600 mg
TDF 300 mg + FTC 200 mg

Uses

  • HIV/AIDS

Dose and duration

HIV infection, alternative first line treatment (in combination with TDF + EFV or TDF + NVP)
Adult and child >33kg: 200 mg once daily
Child 4 months–18 years: 6 mg/kg once daily
HIV infection, alternative second line treatment (in combination with TDF + LPV/r or TDF + ATV/r)
Adult and child >33kg: 200 mg once daily
Child 4 months–18 years: 6 mg/kg once daily

FTC can be substituted with 3TC

Contra-indications

  • Allergy to emtricitabine
  • Child <4 months

Side effects

  • Lactic acidosis
  • Liver damage
  • Skin discoloration
  • Itching
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Stomach upset
  • Redistribution of body fat

Interactions

  • Lamivudine (increased side effects)

Patient instructions

  • Take medicine at the same time every day
  • Report immediately to health worker in case severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, feeling of sickness, appetite loss, rapid deep breathing, or muscle weakness occur

Pregnancy

  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

  • Discontinue medicine in case of severe lactic acidosis or liver damage