Emtriva Uses

Emtriva uses are primarily concerned with treating HIV and AIDS. The medication has been approved for use in adults and children (including newborns). Emtriva works by preventing the HIV virus from converting its genetic material from RNA into DNA, which stops the HIV virus from multiplying. Some off-label Emtriva uses can include preventing HIV infection in people exposed to the HIV virus (such as a healthcare worker who is stuck with a contaminated needle).

 

What Is Emtriva Used For?

Emtriva® (emtricitabine) is a prescription medication used to in the treatment of AIDS and HIV. It is part of a group of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (also known as NRTIs).
 
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (more commonly known as AIDS) was initially reported in the United States in 1981. Since then, it has become a significant, worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initially, the HIV infection does not typically cause any obvious symptoms (see HIV Symptoms). However, by killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV will eventually begin to progressively destroy the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers (see AIDS Symptoms).
 
HIV is commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. HIV transmission also happens through contact with infected blood, which frequently occurs among IV drug users (who share needles or syringes contaminated with blood from someone infected with the virus). Women with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
 
Emtriva is not a cure for HIV or AIDS (in fact, there is no known cure for HIV or AIDS at this time). Also, Emtriva is not intended to be used alone. Instead, it is used as part of an HIV "cocktail." These cocktails usually consist of three or four (or sometimes even five) different HIV medications (technically known as Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy, or HAART). Using a combination of medications helps to prevent the virus from becoming resistant to one or more of the drugs.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;