Emletra Tablet is a combination of antiretrovirals medicines. It is prescribed to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It boosts up the immunity to fight against HIV to manage or treat AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Emletra Tablet restricts the growth of HIV in the body and reduces the risk of getting HIV-related complications to improve the lifespan of an individual. The medicine should be taken with food for better efficacy. Taking these medicines regularly at the same time increases their effectiveness. A dose of this medicine should not be missed as it can affect your recovery. It is important to complete the full course of the treatment until your doctor advises you to stop it. Sudden discontinuation of the treatment may affect the potency of the medicine.
The most common side effects of this medicine are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and increased blood fat levels (hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia). These side effects are generally temporary, but if they persist or become serious inform your doctor. Drinking plenty of fluid can help you to cope up with these side effects, so stay hydrated. In addition to that, avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the intensity of the side effects.
Before starting with the treatment, you should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any health condition. Your doctor may suggest regular laboratory tests to check your blood counts, kidney and liver functions, and other health conditions. If you are HIV positive, you should not breastfeed or share personal belongings like razors or toothbrushes. Consult your doctor to know about safe sex methods in order to prevent transmission of HIV during intercourse.
Emletra Tablet prevents the HIV virus from multiplying in your body. It helps control the infection and makes your immune system work better. This lowers your chances of getting complications such as new infections and improves your quality of life. It is not a cure of HIV or AIDS and should not be used to prevent HIV after accidental exposure to a risk. It is important that you take this medicine as prescribed, following the dosage recommended by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of your combination of medicines and reduces the chances of your HIV infection becoming resistant to antiretroviral medicines. However, taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people.
Side effects of Emletra Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Emletra
Taste change
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Increased liver enzymes
Increased blood lipid level
Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)
How to use Emletra Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Emletra Tablet is to be taken with food.
How Emletra Tablet works
Emletra Tablet is a combination of two anti-HIV medicines: Ritonavir and Lopinavir. They work by interfering with an enzyme (protease), which is required by HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This stops the production of new viruses.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Emletra Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Emletra Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Emletra Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Emletra Tablet alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Emletra Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Emletra Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Emletra Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Emletra Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Emletra Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Emletra Tablet, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Emletra Tablet is a combination medicine which slows down or stops the progression of HIV infection in the body.
Take it with food, preferably at the same time each day.
Skipping doses increases the risk of treatment failure. Make sure that you take all your doses at the correct time.
It may cause weight gain and weakening of your bones. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Your doctor may monitor your kidney and liver functions regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Do not stop taking Emletra Tablet without your doctor’s advice.
Fact Box
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI INFECTIVES
Patient concerns
i have unprotected sex with my friend. Can I take any drugs now to prevent any STD/HIV infection
Dr. Shyam Gupta
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Hello PATIENT to 1mg. There is some medicine for prophylactic but you need to see physician for prescription and better you check HIV status of both partner
hello, one of my frnd suffering with hiv infection from last 2yrs her cd4 is more than 470 and viral load is zero undetectable now she is using art medicines i have doubt that can we have to use art medicine in the whole life or can we stop it once we get viral load zero
Dr. Atula Gupta
Dermatology
You still need to be on ART even if the viral load is undetectable
What were the side-effects while using Emletra Tablet?
Paresthesia (*
33%
Diarrhea
33%
Headache
33%
*Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
How do you take Emletra Tablet?
With food
50%
With or witho*
50%
*With or without food
Please rate Emletra Tablet on price
Expensive
56%
Average
44%
FAQs
What is Emletra Tablet used for?
Emletra Tablet is used to manage and control HIV infection. It helps lower the amount of HIV in the body, supports the immune system, and reduces the risk of HIV-related complications.
Who should not take Emletra Tablet?
Individuals should not take Emletra Tablet if they have severe liver problems, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or are taking certain medicines that can cause dangerous interactions, such as amiodarone, simvastatin, or St. John’s Wort.
Can Emletra Tablet cause liver problems?
Yes, Emletra Tablet may cause liver damage, especially in individuals with hepatitis B or C or pre-existing liver disease. Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor liver health during treatment.
Is Emletra Tablet safe for people with heart conditions?
Emletra Tablet can affect heart rhythm (PR interval prolongation) and may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat in individuals with heart disease or those taking other heart medicines. Always inform your doctor about your heart history.
Can Emletra Tablet cause pancreatitis?
Yes, Emletra Tablet has been linked to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in some patients. Symptoms include severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Seek medical help immediately if these occur.
What should I know about Emletra Tablet and the immune system?
When starting Emletra Tablet with other HIV medicines, some patients may experience an immune system reaction called immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This can cause hidden infections to become active, leading to fever, swollen glands, or breathing problems.
Can Emletra Tablet cause bone or joint problems?
Some patients on long-term HIV treatment, including Emletra Tablet, have reported osteonecrosis (bone damage). Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving. If these occur, consult your doctor.
Can Emletra Tablet affect blood sugar and cholesterol?
Yes, Emletra Tablet may increase blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Patients may need regular blood tests and, in some cases, treatment for diabetes or lipid disorders.
What should I do if I experience severe allergic reactions while taking Emletra Tablet?
Although rare, serious allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing may occur with Emletra Tablet use. Stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical care immediately if this happens.
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References
Ritonavir+Lopinavir. North Chicago, Illinois: Abbott Laboratories; 2010. [Accessed 10 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from: