Emtricitabine

The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) emtricitabine is used in combination with other antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the treatment of HIV-1, HIV-2, and hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is also used in combination therapy for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. Emtricitabine is FDA-approved for use in HIV treatment but is not FDA-approved for the treatment of HBV. This activity will highlight the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, pharmacology, monitoring, and relevant interactions of emtricitabine, pertinent for members of the interprofessional team in the treatment of patients with HIV or who require HIV prophylaxis.