Emtriva and Alcohol Interaction
Emtriva and Alcohol
Emtriva belongs to the family of antiviral drugs a is part of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors and works by preventing HIV cells from multiplying in the body. It is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Be warned that some people have developed a life threatening condition called lactic acidosis and may also cause severe liver damage which may be fatal.
It is advised you do not consume alcohol while using this drug as severe or fatal liver damage may occur and other side effects may be greatly increased.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Do not take Emtriva if you are allergic to emtricitabine and inform your physician if you are using any other drugs. Before taking this drug inform your physician if you have kidney disease, hepatitis B infection, tuberculosis, pneumonia or cytomegalovirus.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are headache, diarrhea, mild nausea, stomach pain, darkened patches of skin on your palms and soles, sleep problems, cough, runny nose, skin rash or change in the shape or location of body fat. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects from a build up of lactic acid are muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feelings in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, feeling dizzy, light headed, tired or very weak, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting or slow or uneven heart rate. If these occur get emergency medical help.
Serious side effects from liver damage are nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay colored stools or jaundice. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
Emtriva and alcohol Emtriva and alcohol
Return from Emtriva and Alcohol to home page.
Hard copy and E book for sale. What's Killing You and What You Can Do About It. Click here.
Hard copy and E book for sale. Introduction to Building Mechanical Systems. Click here.