Emtricitabine (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

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. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.

It is important to take emtricitabine together in combination with other HIV medicines. Take all other medicines your doctor prescribed at the right time of the day. This will make your medicines work better.

When your emtricitabine supply runs low, get more from your pharmacy or from your doctor. The amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped, even for a short time. The virus may develop resistance to emtricitabine and be harder to treat.

This medicine can be taken with or without food.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. You should talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

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—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (solution):
    • Adults—240 milligrams (mg) or 24 milliliters (mL) once a day.
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

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Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 solution in the refrigerator if possible. Do not freeze. If the solution must be stored at room temperature, throw away any unused medicine after 3 months.

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