Tenofovir
Description
Tenofovir is an antiviral medicine. It is used in the treatment of HBV (hepatitis B virus, a virus responsible for swelling in the liver) infections. It is also used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus which attacks the immune system of your body) infection. It works by inhibiting the growth of the virus responsible for these infections.
Tenofovir shows common side effects such as difficulty in sleeping, rash, itching, stomach pain, diarrhoea, or depressed mood. These side effects usually subside with time. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor for further assistance. Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines while taking this medicine as it can cause dizziness.
Tenofovir can be taken with or without food. Do not break, chew or crush the tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor as it may cause a risk of re-infection which can be difficult to treat in the future. Complete the treatment even if you start feeling better. Follow the instructions given by your doctor about the dose and duration of the treatment.
Tenofovir is not recommended if you are allergic to it and have moderate to severe liver impairment. Inform your doctor if you have liver, or kidney problems, diabetes (high blood sugar levels), or any other health conditions.
Tenofovir is not recommended for use in children less than 18 years due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy. The medicine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. If you have an HIV infection, it is not recommended to breastfeed, as the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may transfer to the baby through breastmilk.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Tenofovir
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Chills and fever
- Chest tightness
- Headache
- Weight loss
- Rash
- Itching
- Passing gas
- Indigestion
Uses of Tenofovir
What is it prescribed for?
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for Tenofovir to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe time for which Tenofovir remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Tenofovir.
- Usage in pregnancy?Tenofovir is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Consult your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Tenofovir is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Also, women with HIV infection are not recommended to breastfeed as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be passed to the baby through breast milk.
Allergy
Avoid taking Tenofovir if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Tenofovir is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Consult your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Tenofovir is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Also, women with HIV infection are not recommended to breastfeed as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be passed to the baby through breast milk.
General warnings
Liver diseases
Tenofovir should be used with caution if you have liver problems, as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Lactic acidosis
Tenofovir should be used with caution due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in the bloodstream). Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Decreased bone mineral density
Tenofovir should be used with caution as it may cause a decrease in bone mineral density (amount of bone mineral in your bones).
Fat redistribution
Tenofovir should be used with caution as it may cause fat gain or fat loss in the body. It may result in central obesity, buffalo hump (excess fat behind the neck), peripheral wasting (difficulty in moving an arm or leg or making any movement), facial wasting (fat loss in the cheeks and temples), breast enlargement, and cushingoid appearance (extra fat build up on the sides of the face and weight gain). Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
Immune reconstitution syndrome is a condition in which your immune system becomes hyperactive leading to swelling in the body. It usually occurs in the first six months of treatment of HIV/AIDS. Tenofovir can lead to immune reconstitution syndrome. Consult your doctor in such a case and follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Kidney disease
Tenofovir is filtered by the kidneys and should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. If you have impaired kidney function, it may cause an accumulation of this medicine in your body and increase the risk of undesired effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Do not miss the dose of Tenofovir. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Tenofovir. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Cisplatin
Gentamicin
Atazanavir
Darunavir
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Tenofovir with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
It should not be taken for more than recommended dose.
Take the medicine as directed by your doctor.
Take it at the same time every day for the ease of remembering.
Consult your doctor if you do not feel better even after completing the course of treatment.
Do not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor as it can increase the chance of reinfection which may be difficult to treat in the future.
Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney and liver function.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Tenofovir works by stopping the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) from multiplying.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nrtis)
Schedule
Schedule H
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 July 2022].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 July 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 11 Jan 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.