Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

💊 What is Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate used for?

• •HIV-1 infection, used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines, in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
• •Chronic hepatitis B in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

How it works

The label says tenofovir is a prodrug, which means the body converts the medicine into tenofovir. Tenofovir has activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, an enzyme the virus uses to make copies of itself. The label describes the drug as a reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says it is taken by mouth once a day, without regard to food, so it can be taken with or without a meal. The label says it is for oral use only. It also says to take it on a regular schedule and avoid missing doses. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Tablets: 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (equivalent to 245 mg of tenofovir disoproxil). The tablets are white, almond shaped, and film coated.

⚠️ Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate side effects

🛑 Who should not take Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨The label lists no contraindications (it says 'None').
• 🚨The label says not to use it together with ATRIPLA, BIKTARVY, COMPLERA, DESCOVY, GENVOYA, ODEFSEY, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, VEMLIDY, or HEPSERA (see interactions).

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •The label says kidney function should be checked before starting treatment and periodically during treatment, especially in people at risk of kidney problems.
• •The label says the medicine should be avoided with recent or ongoing use of nephrotoxic (kidney-harming) drugs, such as high-dose or multiple NSAIDs.
• •Bone mineral density monitoring should be considered for people with a history of broken bones from weak bones, or at risk of osteopenia. The label says bone density can decrease with this medicine.
• •The label says HIV antibody testing should be offered to all people with hepatitis B before starting this medicine.
• •The label says this medicine should be used as part of a full antiretroviral combination regimen in people with HIV.
• •The label says that the long-term effects of this medicine are unknown.
• •The label says not to stop this medicine without first talking to your doctor.
• •The label says to avoid activities that can spread HIV or hepatitis B to others, such as sharing needles, toothbrushes, or razors, and having sex without protection.

🔀 Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Do not use with ATRIPLA, BIKTARVY, COMPLERA, DESCOVY, GENVOYA, ODEFSEY, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, or VEMLIDY. The label says these contain other tenofovir products.
• •Do not use with HEPSERA (adefovir dipivoxil).
• •It increases didanosine levels. The label says the dose may need to be reduced, and the person should be closely monitored for didanosine side effects.
• •It decreases atazanavir levels. The label says atazanavir should be used together with ritonavir when given with this medicine.
• •Certain HIV-1 protease inhibitors or certain drugs to treat hepatitis C can increase tenofovir levels. The label says to watch for signs of tenofovir toxicity.
• •Drugs that are eliminated by the kidneys may interact, including acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin), and high-dose or multiple NSAIDs.
• •The label says to consult the full prescribing information for other important drug interactions. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines you take.

Alcohol and food

The label says the medicine can be taken without regard to food. The label does not give information about alcohol use.

🤰 Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It says this medicine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. The label mentions an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry that tracks outcomes for pregnant women exposed to the medicine. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling 1-800-258-4263. Animal studies found no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. The label lists the pregnancy category as B.

Breastfeeding

The label says women with HIV should not breastfeed. Tenofovir passes into breast milk, and the effect on breastfed babies is unknown. HIV-1 can also be passed to the baby through breast milk.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), which is controlled room temperature. Keep the bottle tightly closed. The label says not to use the bottle if the seal over the opening is broken or missing.

If a dose is missed

The label does not give specific instructions for a missed dose. It says it is important to take the medicine on a regular schedule and to avoid missing doses. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist what to do if you miss a dose.

If too much is taken

The label says there is limited experience with doses higher than the usual dose, and the effects of higher doses are not known. If an overdose occurs, the person should be monitored for signs of toxicity and given standard supportive treatment as needed. The label says hemodialysis removes tenofovir, and in one study, a four-hour session removed about 10% of a single dose. Contact a doctor, poison control, or emergency services right away if an overdose is suspected.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

• Is this medicine being used with other HIV medicines, and which ones should I avoid taking with it?
• Do I need kidney tests before I start, and how often will I need them while taking it?
• If I have hepatitis B, how will my liver be monitored, especially if I ever stop this medicine?
• Will I need bone density tests, given my health history?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Are any of my current medicines, including over-the-counter pain relievers, a concern with this medicine?
• Should I tell you if I become pregnant or plan to breastfeed?

❓ Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: frequently asked questions