What is tenofovir?
Tenofovir is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus cells from multiplying in your body.
Tenofovir is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Tenofovir is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B.
Tenofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about tenofovir?
Do not take tenofovir together with adefovir (Hepsera), or with combination medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla, Complera, or Truvada).
Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking tenofovir. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.
Tenofovir can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms while taking tenofovir: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function for several months after you stop using tenofovir. Visit your doctor regularly.
HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tenofovir?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine containing tenofovir, including Atripla, Complera, or Truvada.
Do not take tenofovir together with adefovir (Hepsera), or with combination medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla, Complera, or Truvada).
To make sure you can safely take tenofovir, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
Some people develop a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking tenofovir. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you are overweight or have liver disease, if you are a woman, or if you have taken HIV or AIDS medications for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of tenofovir on the baby.
Tenofovir can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using tenofovir to treat hepatitis B. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.
Tenofovir should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Tenofovir is for use in children with HIV. This medication should not be used to treat hepatitis in anyone younger than 18 years old.