tenofovir Health Article

Generic name(s):

tenofovir

Brand name(s):

Viread

What is the most important information I should know about tenofovir?

Do not take other medicines that also contain tenofovir (such as Truvada). This medication may cause lactic acidosis (the build-up of lactic acid in the body). Lactic acidosis symptoms can start slowly and gradually get worse. Symptoms include unusual muscle pain and weakness, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and numbness or cold feeling in your arms or legs. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms, even if they are only mild. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. 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.

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

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. 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.

What is tenofovir?

Tenofovir is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Tenofovir is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Tenofovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

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).

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).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use tenofovir, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tenofovir may cause lactic acidosis (the build up of lactic acid in the body). Lactic acidosis symptoms can start slowly and gradually get worse. Symptoms include unusual muscle pain and weakness, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heart rate, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and numbness or cold feeling in your arms or legs. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms, even if they are only mild. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. 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.