Emtricitabine
Nucleoside and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Sold as Eviplera · Biktarvy · EMTRIVA · TRUVADA · DESCOVY
- Drug class
- Nucleoside and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 4
- Products on record
- 41
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 2,483
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Emtricitabine is a medication classified as a nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor [1]. It is approved for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg [1]. Emtricitabine is used as a complete regimen for individuals with no prior antiretroviral treatment history, or to substitute the current antiretroviral regimen for those who are virologically suppressed on a stable regimen with no known resistance to specific components [1].
This active ingredient is available under several brand names, including Biktarvy and DESCOVY [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 2,483 adverse event reports associated with medications containing emtricitabine [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 14 | April 24, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 13 | February 26, 2026 |
| EU European Union | EMA | 11 | May 8, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 3 | February 1, 2026 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
14 products
Uses
1).
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
13 products
Uses
Treatment of HIV-1 Infection DESCOVY is indicated in combination with other antiretrovirals (such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or protease inhibitors) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing ≥ 25 kg.
HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) DESCOVY is indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing ≥ 35 kg, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex.
ca. 1 Pediatrics Treatment of HIV-1 Infection Pediatrics (weighing ≥ 25 kg): The safety and efficacy of DESCOVY in HIV-1 infected children weighing ≥ 25 kg are based on data from an open-label clinical study (see 8 ADVERSE REACTIONS and 14 CLINICAL TRIALS).
Pediatrics (weighing < 25 kg):
Safety and efficacy of DESCOVY for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in children weighing < 25 kg have not been established. HIV-1 PrEP Pediatrics (weighing ≥ 35 kg):The safety and efficacy of DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP in at-risk adolescents weighing ≥ 35 kg (excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex) is supported by data from an adequate and well-controlled trial of DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP in adults together with additional data from safety and pharmacokinetic studies in previously conducted trials with the individual drug products, FTC and TAF, with EVG+COBI, in HIV-1 infected adults and pediatric subjects (see 8 ADVERSE REACTIONS, 10 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and 14 CLINICAL TRIALS).
EUEuropean Union· EMA
11 products
Uses
1).
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
3 products
Uses
1 ) Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet is a two-drug combination of emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), both HIV-1 nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and is indicated: • in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg.
2 ): • Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection. Individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test immediately prior to initiating emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet for HIV-1 PrEP.
1 Treatment of HIV-1 Infection Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] .
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Emtricitabine. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL045691885 · revised April 24, 2026
- [2]Health Canada (DPD) · 02454416 · revised March 22, 2025
- [3]European Medicines Agency · EMEA/H/C/006491 · revised May 8, 2026
- [4]FDA DailyMed · 1289b02c-50f7-4a… · revised February 1, 2026 [PDF]
- [5]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.