Emtricitabine - em-tri-SIT-uh-bean is a type of drug called an HIV - human immunodeficiency virus nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor - NRTI. Emtricitabine is always using with other anti-HIV medication 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 risk 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 drug may continue to have the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease
This drug is available only with your family doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form - s:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
† Not commercially available in Canada.