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Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablets

What is this medication?

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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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viread

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Bone problems
  • Frequently drink alcohol
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to tenofovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

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.

What if I miss a dose?

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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What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Adefovir
  • Certain antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS, such as emtricitabine;tenofovir or emtricitabine;rilpivirine;tenofovir or efavirenz;emtricitabine;tenofovir or cobicistat;elvitegravir;emtricitabine;tenofovir

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Atazanavir
  • Didanosine (ddI)
  • Ledipasvir; sofosbuvir
  • Lopinavir; ritonavir
  • Medications for viral infections, such as cidofovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir
  • Saquinavir

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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bone pain
  • High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Back pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Worsening mood, feelings of depression

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

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:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacist or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the package label or insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.

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