Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (ten-OF-oh-vir dye-soe-PROX-il FUE-ma-rate)
Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease. Tenofovir is always used together with other drugs to treat HIV. This medicine is also used alone to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
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, or if you are also taking adefovir (Hepsera®), Atripla®, or Truvada®.
How to Use This Medicine
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- It is important that you do not miss any doses of this medicine. When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacy ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.
- Tenofovir is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
- You may take this medicine with or without food.
- This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. You should talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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 in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
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 acyclovir (Zovirax®), atazanavir (Reyataz®), cidofovir (Vistide®), didanosine (Videx®), famciclovir (Famvir®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®), probenecid, valacyclovir (Valtrex®), or valganciclovir (Valcyte?). Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that may be hard on your kidneys. This medicine may interact with many other medicines. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.
Warnings While Using This Medicine
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you have liver disease, hepatitis B infection, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bone problems.
- You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
- Two rare but serious reactions to this medicine are lactic acidosis (build-up of acid in the blood) and an enlarged liver. Call your doctor right away if you feel very tired, weak, or nauseated, if you vomit or have trouble breathing, or if your skin or eyes have turned yellow.
- This medicine may also increase your risk of developing fractures. Ask your doctor about this if you have any concerns.
- When you start taking HIV medicines, your immune system may get stronger. If you have infections that are hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, you may notice new symptoms when your body tries to fight them. If this occurs, be sure to tell your doctor.
- This medicine may cause you to have excess body fat. Tell your doctor if you notice changes in your body shape, such as an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck, or around the chest and stomach area. You might also lose fat from the legs, arms, and face.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- 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.
- Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine, even for a short time, without talking to your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Change in how much or how often you urinate.
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
- Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
- Lightheadedness or fainting.
- Loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
- Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or nausea and vomiting.
- Skin rash.
- Sudden and severe stomach pain and fever.
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
- Losing weight in your arms, legs, or face.
- Mild dizziness or nausea.
- Mild gas, stomach upset, or diarrhea.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Review Date: 2011-02-04