Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Information about Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate uses

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

How tenofovir disoproxil fumarate works

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Common side effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Diarrhea, Nausea, Rash, Weakness, Vomiting, Fatigue, Abdominal pain, Increased transaminase level in blood, Decreased phosphate level in blood, Decreased potassium level in blood, Pancreatic inflammation, Muscle weakness, Increased creatinine level in blood, Acute renal failure, Softening of bones, Lactic acidosis, Fatty liver disease, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Pain, Dizziness, Depression, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Fever, Itching, Interstitial nephritis, Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Available Medicine for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

  • ₹1540
    Cipla Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹1539
    Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹1173
    Mylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd - A Viatris Company
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹1310
    Natco Pharma Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹1233
    Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹479 to ₹1508
    Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹1406
    Wockhardt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹1539 to ₹1540
    Hetero Drugs Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹1487
    Abbott
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹1500
    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

  • You have been prescribed Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
  • In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections.
  • Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
  • Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
  • You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
  • During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.

Frequently asked questions for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Q. Does Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate prevent passing of HIV-1 and HBV to others?
In case of HIV-1 infection, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may reduce the risk of passing the virus to others, but the chances of infecting others still persist. However, in case of HBV infection, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has not proven to reduce risk of transferring the virus to others. Therefore, the patients of both HIV-1 infection and HBV infection should practice safe sex and should not share dirty needles.
Q. Is Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate safe?
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Q. How should I take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate?
You should take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate works best when taken with meals or just afterwards. However, taking it without food does not reduce its effectiveness. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
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Q. For how long do I need to take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HBV infection?
Duration of treatment will depend on the severity of HBV infection. You will need to take periodic blood tests to keep a check on the viral load and number of T cells. Your doctor will then decide the duration of the medicine accordingly. In some cases, treatment is required life long.
Q. I vomited after taking Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. What should I do?
Take another tablet of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate if you vomit within 1 hour of taking it. If you vomit after more than an hour of taking Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, then you need not take another tablet. Consult your doctor if you have vomiting every time you take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or if the vomiting persists for a longer duration.
Q. What should I do if I forget to take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate?
If you forget to take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, you should take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with food as soon as possible and resume the normal dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate by more than 12 hours and it is almost time for the next dose, you should not take the missed dose and simply resume the usual dosing schedule.
Q. Can I breastfeed while receiving treatment with Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for chronic HBV infection?
No, you should not breastfeed your baby since small amounts of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate pass into breast milk. Further, if your baby does not have HIV or HBV, there is a chance that the baby can get HIV or HBV through breastfeeding.

Content on this page was last updated on 26 April, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)