Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Emtriva (EMTRICITABINE)

Emtriva works by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is necessary for HIV to replicate.

Emtriva (Emtricitabine) is a small molecule nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor developed by Gilead, targeting the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It was FDA-approved in 2003 and remains under the ownership of Gilead. Emtriva is now off-patent, with multiple generic manufacturers available. As a nucleoside analog, Emtriva works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for viral replication. It has a half-life of 10 hours and is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat HIV infection.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Emtricitabine is an antiviral drug. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].

Approved indications

• Human immunodeficiency virus infection

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: POST TREATMENT ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing emtricitabine (FTC) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and may occur with discontinuation of BIKTARVY. Closely monitor hepatic function with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and discontinue BIKTARVY. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: POST TREATMENT ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing emtricitabine (FTC) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and may occur with discontinuation of BIKTARVY. Closely monitor hepatic function in these patients. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. ( 5.1 )

Common side effects

• diarrhea
• nausea
• headache
• fatigue
• abnormal dreams
• dizziness
• insomnia
• abdominal distention

Key clinical trials

• Spotting Syphilis: A Dual Point-of-Care Syphilis Screening Initiative in a Low-Resource Healthcare Setting (NA)
• A Clinical Study of Islatravir and Ulonivirine for People With HIV-1 Who Have Not Been Treated Before (MK-8591B-062) (PHASE2,PHASE3)
• Switch to Doravirine/Islatravir (DOR/ISL) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) Participants Treated With Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) (MK-8591A-018) (PHASE3)
• ImPrEP LEN Brasil: Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention (NA)
• Study of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Fixed Dose Combination in Adolescents and Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (PHASE2,PHASE3)
• Exploration of the Variability of Exposure to Antiretroviral Treatment in Hair With a View to Validating Its Value as a Diagnostic Tool for Partial and/or Total Non-compliance With Treatment
• A Study of MK-8527 to Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) (MK-8527-010) (PHASE3)
• Study of Cobicistat-Boosted Atazanavir (ATV/co), Cobicistat-Boosted Darunavir (DRV/co) and Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) in Children With HIV (PHASE2,PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Emtriva CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Emtriva updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Gilead Sciences portfolio CI