Emtricitabine is marketed under the name Emtriva. It is taken in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

Emtricitabine should not be taken with the anti-HIV drug lamivudine.

Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), liver damage.

Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion, headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, raised liver enzyme, amylase or creatine kinase levels, raised blood sugar and triglyceride levels, rash, itching, skin darkening, insomnia, abnormal dreams.

Take with or without food.

The usual adult dose of emtricitabine is one 200mg blue and white capsule per day. Emtricitabine is also available in combination tablets. It is combined with other antiretroviral drugs in Atripla, Descovy, Eviplera, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild and Truvada.