Tenofovir 2025: Comprehensive Guide on Side Effects, Dosage & Usage

Overview of Tenofovir

Tenofovir is a prescription antiviral medication available in oral tablet and powder forms. Marketed under brand names like Viread and Vemlidy, as well as generic versions, it plays a vital role in combination therapies for HIV and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.

This medication works by inhibiting reverse transcriptase, an enzyme necessary for viral replication, thereby reducing viral load and boosting immune function by increasing CD4 cell counts.

Important FDA Boxed Warning

Tenofovir carries a boxed warning from the FDA, highlighting the risk of hepatitis B flare-ups if treatment is stopped abruptly in patients with HBV. Continuous monitoring of liver function is essential, and restarting therapy may be necessary to prevent severe complications.

Key Features of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

1. Available as both generic and branded forms (Viread, Vemlidy).
2. Comes in oral tablet and powder formulations.
3. Approved for treating HIV and chronic hepatitis B infections.

Therapeutic Uses

Tenofovir is primarily prescribed for:

• Management of HIV infection, as part of a multi-drug antiretroviral regimen to control viral replication.
• Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection to suppress viral activity.

Mechanism of Action

Belonging to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), Tenofovir blocks the reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing viruses from multiplying. This action helps decrease viral load and supports immune system recovery.

Side Effects to Know

Common Side Effects

• Depression
• Muscle and back pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash

These effects are usually mild and transient but consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of:

• Lactic acidosis: weakness, muscle pain, abdominal pain with nausea/vomiting, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, or cold sensations in limbs.
• Liver enlargement: dark urine, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, jaundice, nausea.
• Worsening hepatitis B infection: abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, dark urine, weakness.
• Kidney damage: fatigue, swelling, or aching.
• Immune reconstitution syndrome presenting as symptoms of prior infections.
• Decreased bone mineral density.

Drug Interactions

Tenofovir may interact with various medications, potentially altering effectiveness or increasing side effects. Key interactions include:

Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

Concurrent use with gentamicin, amikacin, or tobramycin may heighten kidney damage risk.

NSAIDs

Avoid high doses or prolonged use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, ketoprofen, and piroxicam to reduce kidney injury risk.

Other Antivirals

Drugs such as adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera), cidofovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, and valgancyclovir can increase kidney toxicity when combined with Tenofovir.

HIV Medications

Dosage adjustments may be necessary when used with atazanavir, darunavir, didanosine, or lopinavir/ritonavir. Avoid combining with other tenofovir-containing regimens like Atripla, Biktarvy, Complera, Descovy, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, Truvada, Delstrigo, and Symfi to prevent overdose and toxicity.

Hepatitis C Treatments

Combining with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni) or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (Vosevi) may increase tenofovir levels, raising side effect risks.

Dosage Guidelines

Dosage depends on age, weight, condition severity, and kidney function.

For HIV (Viread and Generic)

• Adults and adolescents (≥12 years, ≥35 kg): 300 mg once daily.
• Children (2-11 years or

  Discover engaging topics and analytical content in Sexual Wellness as of 28-04-2018. The article titled " Tenofovir 2025: Comprehensive Guide on Side Effects, Dosage & Usage " provides new insights and practical guidance in the Sexual Wellness field. Each topic is meticulously analyzed to deliver actionable information to readers.

  The topic " Tenofovir 2025: Comprehensive Guide on Side Effects, Dosage & Usage " helps you make smarter decisions within the Sexual Wellness category. All topics on our website are unique and offer valuable content for our audience.