home > drugs a-z list > viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) drug center > viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) drug - consumer uses and warnings

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

TENOFOVIR - ORAL

(te-NOE-fo-veer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viread

WARNING: Rarely, tenofovir has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver problems and a certain metabolic problem (lactic acidosis). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver problems (such as persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, pale stools, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual tiredness), or of lactic acidosis (such as stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, fast/difficult breathing, drowsiness, muscle pain, weakness, cold skin). These serious side effects may occur more often in women and obese patients.

If you have hepatitis B infection, your hepatitis symptoms may get worse or become very serious if you stop taking tenofovir. Talk with your doctor before stopping this medication. Your doctor will monitor liver tests for several months after you stop tenofovir. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of worsening liver problems.

USES: Tenofovir is used with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV disease complications (such as new infections, cancer). Tenofovir belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Tenofovir is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).

Tenofovir is also used to treat a certain type of liver infection called chronic hepatitis B infection. It helps to decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus in your body by interfering with virus growth.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Tenofovir may also be used with other medications to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking tenofovir, and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment.

If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience symptoms of an old infection as your immune system begins to work better. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any trouble breathing, fever, new cough, vision problems, headaches, or skin problems.

It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.