Resistance

As with all other anti-HIV drugs, strains of HIV that are resistant to emtricitabine (Emtriva) may emerge after a period of treatment. The emergence of drug-resistant strains coincides with a fall in the effectiveness of the drug. HIV can rapidly develop resistance to emtricitabine if viral load is not suppressed below the limit of detection.

The M184V/I mutation, which is associated with resistance to lamivudine (Epivir), is also the key resistance mutation for emtricitabine.1 However, this mutation develops more slowly in people taking emtricitabine.2

Emtricitabine is unlikely to have anti-HIV effect in people who have already developed resistance to lamivudine.

References

  1. Cahn P et al. Virologic efficacy and patterns of resistance mutations in ART-naïve patients receiving combination therapy with once-daily emtricitabine compared to twice-daily stavudine in a randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial. Tenth Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Boston, abstract P606, 2003
  2. Barroto-Esoda K et al. Lower incidence of the M184V mutation in ART naïve patients receiving combination therapy with emtricitabine (FTC) compared to lamivudine (3TC), results of a double blind equivalence trial. First International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, Buenos Aires, abstract LB-P21, 2001
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
close

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.