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Tenofovir

Viread.jpg

Tenofovir has proved to be an effective NRTIA type of anti-HIV drug that works by inhibiting a stage of the HIV life cycle called reverse transcription. Non-nucleosides work in a similar way, but are chemically different. both in first-line therapy and drug regimens for those more treatment experienced. Tenofovir is also an experimental(Of a drug) Not licensed for use in humans, or as a treatment for a particular condition. Experimental drugs are studied in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and are sometimes made available via Special Access Schemes prior to their approval. treatment for hepatitis B.

Tenofovir is also available in a fixed-dose combination tablet called Truvada which contains 300mg tenofovir plus 200mg emtricitabine. This combination is currently the preferred NRTI backbone.

It is recommended to monitor kidney function when taking tenofovir. It is not approved for children under 18. One study has indicated it may cause bone damage and further studies are needed. Safety in pregnant women has not been demonstrated.

Generic name: tenofovir
Pronunciation:ten-offer-veer
Brand name:Viread
Also known as:GS4331
Drug class:nucleotide analogue
Availability in Australia:
  • Available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) through S100 prescribers.
  • This drug may be available through clinical trials in Australia.
  • You may be able to import this drug from overseas for your personal use.
Presentation:300mg tablet
What the treatment guidelines say:Tenofovir plus either emtricitabine or lamivudine is the preferred NRTI combination for patients coinfected with both HIV and HBV, as these drugs have activity against both viruses.
Links:

Like all anti-HIV drugs, tenofovir must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Commonly, tenofovir is combined with one other nucleoside (NRTI) drug and either a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside, although other combinations are sometimes used. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.

Dosage

The normal adult dose is one 300mg tablet once a day.

Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

With or without food?

Tenofovir may be taken with or without food.

Side effects

All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.

  • Common side effects may include nausea (upset stomach, feeling sick to the stomach), diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, high blood pressure.
  • Less common side effects may include low blood phosphate levels, low bone mineral density, metabolic irregularities.
  • Rare side effects may include kidney damage, liver damage.

    • It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Interactions with other drugs

It is not recommended to take tenofovir with ddI because of the risk of side effects and treatment failure. There may be increased risk of kidney failure if taking tenofovir with other drugs known to cause kidney toxicities, including ganciclovir, foscarnet, pentamadine, amphotericin, vancomycin, interleukin-2, cidofovir or the amonoglycosides. If taking tenofovir toegther with any of these drugs cannot be avoided there should be weekly monitoring of kidney functioning. Tenofovir may afffect levels of lopinavir, ritonavir and atazanavir.
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The table below shows all the clinical trials in the database with the keyword tenofovir.

Short titleStatus
HIV/HBV coinfection and tenofovir resistance Enrolling
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This Treatments database entry was first published on 28 May 2009 — more than one year ago.

While the content of this treatments database entry was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

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The content of this website is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between people living with HIV/AIDS and their medical advisers, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

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