Tenofovir
Indicated to mitigate viral replication to support immune system health in chronic infection.
- Category
- HIV Management
- Active ingredient
- Tenofovir Disoproxil
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 300mg
Tenofovir details
- Conditions
- HIV Infection · Chronic Hepatitis B
- Alternative names
- Viread
- Therapeutic class
- Antiviral agent
- Pharmacological class
- Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to tenofovir
- Minor side effects
- nausea; diarrhoea; headache; fatigue
- Moderate side effects
- flatulence; rash
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Gilead Sciences
- Onset Time
- 4–8 weeks
- Duration
- long-term
- Storage instructions
- Store below 30°C in a dry place.
- Drug interactions
- nephrotoxic drugs; didanosine
- Age restrictions
- Follow specialist guidance for paediatric use.
Precautions and warnings
monitor renal function regularly; risk of bone mineral density decrease; screen for hepatitis b before treatment
Serious side effects
renal failure, requires immediate medical attention; lactic acidosis, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
indicated to mitigate viral replication to support immune system health in chronic infection.
Mechanism of action
Tenofovir inhibits the activity of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase by causing DNA chain termination after incorporation into DNA.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Benefits should outweigh risks. Breastfeeding: Not recommended for HIV-infected patients.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Tenofovir
Tenofovir is a medicine containing the active ingredient Tenofovir Disoproxil, which is used for the management of HIV Infection and Chronic Hepatitis B. Produced by Gilead Sciences, the same compound is widely known under the brand name Viread. This treatment is supplied as a 300mg tablet to assist in viral management regimens.
Tenofovir availability in Asia
Tenofovir is registered across 14 markets, including South Korea, Japan and the UAE, with availability also found in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. Generic Tenofovir Disoproxil, much of which is made in India, is significantly more affordable than the original brand for expats and people living far from a well stocked pharmacy. This medication is best used under a doctor’s care.