Information An Overview of Viread (Tenofovir)April 17, 2017 Brand Name: Viread
WARNING: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) can cause serious, life-threatening side effects. These include a buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) and severe liver problems. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms that could be signs of lactic acidosis:
Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms that could be signs of severe liver problems:
If you have both HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take tenofovir DF, your HBV infection may get much worse (flare up) if you stop taking tenofovir DF. The HBV drug adefovir dipivoxil (brand name: Hepsera) should not be taken with tenofovir DF. While taking tenofovir DF, it is important to keep all of your appointments with your health care provider. What Is Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?Tenofovir DF is a prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Tenofovir DF is always used in combination with other HIV medicines. Tenofovir DF belongs to a class (group) of HIV drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs block an HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase. (An enzyme is a protein that starts or increases the speed of a chemical reaction.) By blocking reverse transcriptase, NRTIs prevent HIV from multiplying and can reduce the amount of HIV in the body. HIV medicines can't cure HIV/AIDS, but taking a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV regimen) every day helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. HIV medicines also reduce the risk of HIV transmission. If you are taking HIV medicines, including tenofovir DF, don't cut down on, skip, or stop taking them unless your health care provider tells you to. Tenofovir DF is also effective against HBV and approved by FDA for the treatment of chronic HBV infection in adults and children 12 years of age and older. For information on the HBV-related use of tenofovir DF in people with HIV, please refer to the HBV section of the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents. What Should I Tell My Health Care Provider Before Taking Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?Before taking tenofovir DF, tell your health care provider:
How Should I Take Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?Tenofovir DF (brand name: Viread) comes in the following forms and strengths:
Take tenofovir DF according to your health care provider's instructions. Tenofovir DF tablets should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food. People who are unable to swallow the tablets whole may take the oral powder. Use the provided dosing scoop to measure the oral powder. Mix the oral powder with soft foods that can be swallowed without chewing, such as applesauce, baby food, or yogurt. Take the dose of oral powder right after mixing it. Do not mix the oral powder with liquid. Always take tenofovir DF in combination with other HIV medicines. If you take too much tenofovir DF, contact your health care provider or local poison control center (1-800-222-1222) right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For more information on how to take tenofovir DF, see the FDA drug label from DailyMed. (DailyMed is a federal website that includes the most recent drug labels submitted to FDA.) What Should I Do If I Forget a Dose?If you miss a dose of tenofovir DF, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. What Side Effects Can Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Cause?Tenofovir DF may cause side effects. Most side effects from tenofovir DF are manageable, but a few can be serious. Serious side effects of tenofovir DF include a buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) and severe liver problems. (See the WARNING box above.) Other possible side effects of tenofovir DF include:
Tell your health care provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of tenofovir DF. To learn more about possible side effects of tenofovir DF, read the drug label or package insert or talk to your health care provider or pharmacist. The AIDSinfo fact sheet on HIV Medicines and Side Effects also includes information that may apply to tenofovir DF. You can also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or online at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/. How Should Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Be Stored?
Where Can I Find More Information About Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?More information about tenofovir DF is available:
Manufacturer InformationGilead Sciences, Inc. The above Patient Version drug summary is based on the following FDA label(s): Powder, tablet (coated). Related Stories
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