Tenofovir

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Aspen Tenofovir, Ricovir, Viread, Zefin

Popular combinations:

Atripla, Atroiza, Eftenem, Odimune, Tenarenz, Tribuss, Trivenz, Truvada

Drug group:

Drug for HIV, Antiviral drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Tenofovir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) antiviral drug used to treat:

• HIV infection - used in combination with other anti-retroviral drugs (highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART)
• Used alone to treat some cases of chronic hepatitis B infection

How does it work?

• Tenofovir blocks the enzyme that viruses need to replicate (reverse transcriptase), reducing the production of new viruses before the immune system is irreversibly damaged
• It reduces the viral load in the blood but does not completely destroy the viruses

How should it be used?

• Tenofovir should be taken with food or liquid, at the same time EVERY day
• If you vomit within 1 hour of taking a tablet, take another one

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Adults: 245mg (one tablet) once daily

How quickly will it start to work?

It may take a year before the drug significantly reduces virus levels

How long will the effects last?

Up to several days  
                                

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor     
                            

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use of tenofovir may cause: loss of bone density, inflammation of the pancreas, redistribution of body fat, and abnormal blood sugar and lipid levels.

Tenofovir can cause potentially fatal liver problems in people with both HIV and hepatitis B/C.

You will need regular blood tests (liver functions, blood cell counts including CD4 counts, viral load, blood sugar and cholesterol levels) and physical examinations.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: gastrointestinal side effects, dizziness, headache, rash, muscle pain/weakness, tiredness/lethargy, joint stiffness/pain
• Less common: altered distribution of body fat
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe abdominal pain

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney/liver disease, diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, lactose intolerance, current or planned pregnancy
• Other medicines: antibacterials (e.g. aminoglycosides, pentamidine, vancomycin); antifungals (e.g. amphotericin B); antivirals (e.g. foscarnet, ganciclovir, adefovir, cidofovir); immunosuppressants (e.g. tacrolimus); some anticancer drugs (e.g. interleukin-2), other anti-HIV drugs containing didanosine, corticosteroids
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: No known problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug may cause dizziness
• Alcohol: Avoid, increased risk of bone problems