Tenofovir (By Mouth)

Tenofovir (te-NOE-foe-veer)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs that treat HIV infection may slow the disease progress and may prolong your life.

Brand Name(s):

Viread
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tenofovir.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Tenofovir is taken with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
• It is best to take this medicine with food.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using didanosine (Videx®), acyclovir (Zovirax®), cidofovir (Vistide®), famciclovir (Famvir®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), valacyclovir (Valtrex®), valganciclovir (Valcyte®), or probenecid (Benemid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.
• A rare but serious reaction to tenofovir is lactic acidosis and enlarged liver. Call your doctor right away if you feel very tired, weak, or nauseated, or if you vomit or have trouble breathing.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.
• You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Rapid breathing or trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting
• Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in body fat
• Mild nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, gas

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.