Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

It is important to take emtricitabine as part of a combination regimen. Take all other medicines your doctor prescribed at the right time of the day. This will make your medicines work better.

Keep using emtricitabine for the full time of treatment, even if you or your child begin to feel better. Do not stop using it without checking first with your doctor. When your supply of the medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of the medicine.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults—200 milligrams (mg) once a day.
      • Children 3 months to 17 years of age and weighs more than 33 kilograms (kg) who can swallow an intact capsule—200 mg once a day.
      • Children younger than 3 months of age or weighs less than 33 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults—240 milligrams (mg) or 24 milliliters (mL) once a day.
      • Children 3 months to 17 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 6 milligrams (mg) per kilograms (kg) of body weight per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 240 mg (24 mL) per day.
      • Children up to 3 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 3 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the capsules in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may also keep it at room temperature for up to 3 months. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 3 months.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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