Tenofovir

What is Tenofovir?

Tenofovir is used with other HIV medicines to control HIV infection effectively.

It aids in decreasing amount of HIV in your body so that immune system is able to work in a better way.

This decreases your chance of getting HIV complications and improves quality of your life.

Tenofovir belongs to a class of medicines called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NTRIs).

You need to know that tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is not a cure for your HIV infection.

To reduce risk of spreading HIV disease to another person, you must continue taking all HIV medicines as directed by your doctor.

Make sure to use an effective barrier method while indulging in sexual activity as suggested by your doctor.

Also, you must avoid sharing your personal items like toothbrushes & razors that might have contaminated blood or other body fluids.

Doctors also prescribe this medicine to treat a certain type of liver infection known as chronic hepatitis B infection.

It aids in reducing amount of hepatitis B virus in your body that interferes with growth of virus.

You can save on Tenofovir costs by ordering it from a licensed online pharmacy.

Tenofovir is available in market under different brand names Vemlidy and Viread.

Tenofovir uses

Doctors recommend this medicine for:

• Treatment of HIV infection
• Treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Brand Viread for people aged 2 years and older, while generic for people aged 12 years and older.

How does tenofovir work?

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate belongs to a class of medicines called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).

This medicine works in HIV by inserting itself into genetic material of virus. In doing so, tenofovir prevents HIV from making copies itself and spreading.

 It also works in HBV by obstructing an enzyme known as HBV polymerase that aids the virus make copies of itself.

By restricting HBV polymerase, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate also stops HBV virus from spreading in body.

How to take Tenofovir?

Before starting your treatment with Tenofovir, it is advised to read patient information leaflet provided with medicine itself.

If there is any confusion or doubt about medicine or its dosage then discuss it with your doctor once.

Take this medicine by mouth with or without food as prescribed by your doctor, mainly once daily.

Doctor will determine dosage of Tenofovir 300 mg based on your medical condition, body’s response to treatment, and kidney function.

For children, dosage of Tenvir 300 mg is based on weight.

It is necessary to continue taking this medicine along with other HIV medicines exactly in same way as directed by a doctor.

Do not skip any doses or increase your dose because taking this medicine more often than directed can lead to severe side effects.

Unless doctor recommends you, do not stop taking this medication or other HIV drugs.

Skipping or changing your dose without approval from a doctor might cause amount of virus to increase or make infection difficult to treat or worsen side effects.

For best effect, this medicine should be taken at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Tenofovir at same time every day.

• Missed dose

In case, you miss a dose then take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s time for next dose then skip your missed dosage.

Take your next dose at regular time. Do not double the dose of Tenofovir just to catch up on missed doses.  

• Overdose

If you have overdosed and experience severe symptoms like trouble breathing or feeling of passing out then contact a doctor immediately.

Precautions and warnings

Before you start taking Tenofovir, let your doctor know if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies.

This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients which can cause you allergic reactions or other problems.

Before you start using this medicine, let doctor know about your medical history, especially of:

• Liver disorders
• Kidney problems
• Bone ailments like bone loss, bone disease, broken bones, or osteoporosis
• Disease of pancreas

Sometimes this medicine can make you feel dizzy. So, avoid alcohol consumption as it can make you more dizzy.

Avoid driving, using heavy machinery, or doing anything that demands alertness unless you can do it safely.

You must also limit alcohol consumption. Talk to a doctor if you are using marijuana.

It is necessary to limit alcohol consumption because it can increase your risk of liver disorders and pancreatitis.

During pregnancy, this medicine must be used only when required. Discuss all risks and benefits with doctor.

In case, you have an HIV infection the treatment can decrease risk of passing HIV infection to your baby and Tenofovir might be part of treatment.

This medicine passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant.

If you have HIV infection, breast milk can transmit HIV. Before breastfeeding, consult a doctor once.

For people who have hepatitis B infection, your hepatitis symptoms might get worse or become serious if you stop taking tenofovir dosage.

Before stopping this medicine, talk to your doctor. Once you stop Tenofovir, your doctor will conduct some liver tests for several months.

Side effects of Tenofovir

Remember doctor has prescribed this medicine because he/she thinks its benefits are greater than risk of side effects.

Several people using this medicine do not suffer from any severe side effects.

Trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, or diarrhea are a few common side effects of this medication.

In case, any of these effects last or get worse then contact your doctor promptly.

Here are some other side effects of Tenofovir including:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea
• Feeling depressed
• Joint pain
• Vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects, you might experience other problems as well.

Seek immediate medical assistance if your side effects persist or worsen over time.

Interactions

Drug interactions might change how your medicines work or increase risk of suffering from severe side effects.

Do not start, stop, or alter the dosage of any drug without a doctor's consent.

Keep a list of all products you use including herbal supplements, prescription & non-prescription medicines, and share it with your doctor.

Do not take this medicine with other products that contain Tenofovir. There are some other medicines that treat HIV infection that can interact with Tenofovir.

To avoid drug interactions, you must not take following medicines with Tenofovir:

• Allegra
• Cotrim
• Norvir
• Lyrica
• Cymbalta
• Ativan
• Prezista
• Tramadol Hydrochloride ER
• Truvada
• Valproate sodium

Storage

It is advised to store Tenofovir at room temperature right away from moisture and sunlight.

Keep children and pets away from this medication.

Frequently asked questions about Tenofovir (FAQs)

• Is Tenofovir safe?

Tenofovir is safe when used in dose and duration as directed by your doctor. You must take it exactly in same way as directed without skipping any dosage. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and let doctor know if any side effects bother you.

• For how long do you need to take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HBV infection?

Duration of treatment is based on severity of HBV infection. You need to undergo periodic blood tests to keep a check on viral load and number of T cells.

Accordingly, doctor will decide duration of medicine. In some cases, treatment is needed for a lifetime.

• Can I breastfeed while receiving treatment with Tenofovir for chronic HBV infection?

No, you must not breastfeed your baby because small amounts of this medicine pass into breast milk.

In case, your baby does not have HIV or HBV, then there is a risk that your baby can get HIV or HBV through breastfeeding.