Emtricitabine
Emtricitabine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Emtricitabine is a brand name. Its generic name is efavirenz + emtricitabine + tenofovir.
Introduction
Efavirenz emtricitabine and tenofovir is a combination medication used to treat HIV. It is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of three drugs: efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Together, they can be used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in people who have not been treated for HIV before.Uses
Efavirenz emtricitabine and tenofovir is used to treat HIV infection in people who have not been treated for HIV before. It is a complete treatment regimen and should always be used in combination with other antiretroviral medications.Mechanism of Action
Efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir work to inhibit the action of reverse transcriptase, a critical enzyme in the life cycle of HIV. Reverse transcriptase prevents HIV from converting its viral information to DNA. This stops the virus from replicating and keeps HIV infection under control.How Long Does it Take to Work?
It usually takes 1-2 weeks for efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir to become effective. However, it may take longer for some people to see the results. Always use the medication as directed and follow up with your doctor for monitoring of the medication’s effectiveness.Absorption
The three drugs in the combination reach peak concentrations in the blood plasma within 1-2 hours of ingestion. Efavirenz reaches peak concentrations faster than the other two antiretroviral medications.Route of Elimination
Efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir are broken down and eliminated by the kidneys. A small portion of the material is broken down and eliminated by the liver.Dosage
The recommended dose of Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir is one tablet taken once daily with food, with a glass of water. The tablet should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or divided.Administration
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir should be taken with food and with a full glass of water. It is important to take Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir exactly as prescribed. Do not take it more or less frequently or in different forms than prescribed.Side Effects
Common side effects of Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir can include headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, abnormal dreams, and rash. If any of these effects become severe or do not go away, tell your doctor promptly.Toxicity
High dosages of Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir can cause serious toxicity. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing.Precaution
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have before starting Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir. High dosages should be avoided in people with kidney or liver problems.Interaction
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir can interact with certain medications, supplements, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.Disease Interaction
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir can interact with diseases such as kidney or liver disease, and may need to be adjusted.Drug Interaction
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir can interact with other medications, so tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.Food Interaction
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir should not be taken with grapefruit juice, as it may lead to decreased effectiveness.Pregnancy Use
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir should not be used during pregnancy, unless prescribed by a doctor.Lactation Use
It is not known if Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir is safe for use during lactation.Acute Overdose
If you or someone else has taken an overdose of Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, contact a poison control center immediately. Overdose symptoms can include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing.Contraindication
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment and those who are taking or have taken an NNRTI in the past.Use Direction
Take Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more/less of it than instructed.Storage Condition
Store Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of the efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir is approximately 4.10 L/kg.Half Life
The half-life of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir is 1.3-3.7 hours.Clearance
The clearance of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir is approximately 0.82 L/hr/kg.Here you find in details version of Emtricitabine