Viread (Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus »

HIV facts

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

Read the Human Immunodeficiency Virus article »

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Viread Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tenofovir (Viread)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine containing tenofovir, including Truvada.

You should not take tenofovir if you are also taking Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir) or adefovir (Hepsera).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking tenofovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease (including hepatitis B);
kidney disease; or
bone problems (such as osteopenia).

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking tenofovir. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Tenofovir can also cause severe or fatal liver problems. Symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using tenofovir. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether tenofovir had any effect on the baby.

You should not breast-feed while you are using tenofovir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

Tenofovir should not be given to a child unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

How should I take tenofovir (Viread)?

Take tenofovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take tenofovir with a full glass of water.

Tenofovir can be taken with or without food.

It is important to take tenofovir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function at regular visits for several months after you stop using tenofovir. Do not miss any scheduled visits.

Store tenofovir at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light.

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