Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TENOFOVIR - ORAL

(te-NOE-fo-veer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viread

WARNING: Rarely, this medication may cause severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood disorders (e.g., lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly) when used alone or with other HIV medications. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, rapid/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, or muscle aches.

Uses

Tenofovir is used in combination with other medications to treat HIV infection, especially HIV that may appear to be developing resistance to other medications. It works by affecting the enzyme needed by HIV to spread to other cells of the body. Tenofovir is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others. This medication contains tenofovir. The use of lamivudine, abacavir, and tenofovir in combination may not be effective in treating HIV infection. If you are currently taking all three of these drugs, your doctor or pharmacist should carefully review your treatment plan. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with a meal; or take as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Tenofovir may be prescribed along with other HIV medications. If you are also prescribed didanosine, take your tenofovir 2 hours before or 1 hour after your didanosine to decrease your risk of drug interactions. It is very important to continue taking this medication and other anti-HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV-related medicine) even for a brief time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping doses or changing your dose without approval may cause the amount of virus to increase, may make the virus more difficult to treat, or may cause side effects to worsen.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: changes in body fat (increased in the trunk of the body and/or decreased in the legs, arms, or face). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, change in the amount of urine, unusual weight loss, unusual tiredness or weakness. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver disease, bone problems, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because breast-milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: certain other HIV medicines (e.g., didanosine), other antiviral medicines (e.g., acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, lamivudine and abacavir). Also report the use of other drugs which might be potentially toxic to the kidney such as: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, amikacin), amphotericin B, cyclosporine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen), tacrolimus, vancomycin. Tenofovir can decrease the effectiveness of atazanavir (by decreased blood levels) when the two drugs are given in combination. This can result in a worsening of your condition. According to the manufacturer, adding ritonavir to the combination of atazanavir and tenofovir may be a treatment option. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this drug.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).