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TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE (te NOE fo veer dye soe PROX il FUE ma rate) helps manage the symptoms of HIV infection. It may also be used to treat infections caused by the hepatitis B virus. It works by limiting the spread of the viruses in the body. This medication is not a cure and it may still be possible to spread HIV or hepatitis to others while taking it. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viread
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. For your treatment to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. You may take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses may make the virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need blood work done while on this medication.
Hepatitis B and HIV are spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of hepatitis B and HIV.
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your care team if you plan to stop this medication. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medication.
Using this medication for a long time may weaken your bones. The risk of bone fractures may be increased. Talk to your care team about your bone health.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
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To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.