Why it is Prescribed
Tenofovir is used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir is in a class of antiviral medications called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Tenofovir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Tenofovir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Important Warning
Tenofovir, when used alone or in combination with other antiviral medications, may cause serious damage to the liver and a condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver disease.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Tenofovir is used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir is in a class of antiviral medications called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Tenofovir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Tenofovir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Important Warning
Tenofovir, when used alone or in combination with other antiviral medications, may cause serious damage to the liver and a condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver disease.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: upset stomach, loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, weakness, dark yellow or brown urine, unusual bleeding or bruising, flu-like symptoms, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and pain in the upper right part of your stomach.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to tenofovir.
Brand Names
Atripla ® (as a combination product containing Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Truvada ® as a combination product containing Tenofovir and Emtricitabine) Viread ®
How it Works
Tenofovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tenofovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take tenofovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tenofovir without talking to your doctor.
Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Precautions
Before taking tenofovir,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tenofovir or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Vitasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and valganciclovir (Valcyte); aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); didanosine (Videx); diuretics ('water pills'); penicillin (Pen Vee K, Veetids, others); and probenecid (Benemid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
if you are taking didanosine (Videx), take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after tenofovir.
in addition to the condition listed in the ...
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Possible Side Effects
Tenofovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
diarrhea
vomiting
gas
loss of appetite
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING ...
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
