Information about Tenofovir
Updated June 18, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
What Is Tenofovir:
Tenofovir, also called tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is an antiviral drug for treating chronic hepatitis B. It's sold under the brand name Viread by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Tenofovir is also used to treat HIV infection.
Other Names for Tenofovir:
There are no generic drugs available.
Effectiveness:
Tenofovir can treat hepatitis B very effectively in some people. In some situations, tenofovir is more effective than adefovir and lamivudine.
How to Take Tenofovir:
Viread is a 300 mg tablet. For chronic hepatitis B, the usual dosing for adults is 300 mg once a day and can be taken with or without food. This dosage might change for people with kidney problems.
Costs of Tenofovir:
One year of treatment with tenofovir can easily cost more than $8,000. However, drug costs vary considerably based on many factors, such as whether you have health insurance, where you live and which pharmacy you use.
Side Effects of Tenofovir:
Possible side effects of tenofovir include headache, nausea or vomiting. Some people might have a decreased bone density from long-term use.
Who Should Not Take Tenofovir:
Anyone who is allergic to tenofovir shouldn't take this drug. Also, it's important to know your HIV status because taking tenofovir can significantly complicate treating HIV. If you have HIV and HBV, do not start therapy for either infection without consulting a physician experienced in treating both infections.
Sources:
Source:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Viral Hepatitis Therapies. Accessed February 22, 2010.
UpToDate, Basow, DS (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2010.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
What Is Tenofovir:
Tenofovir, also called tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is an antiviral drug for treating chronic hepatitis B. It's sold under the brand name Viread by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Tenofovir is also used to treat HIV infection.
Other Names for Tenofovir:
There are no generic drugs available.
Effectiveness:
Tenofovir can treat hepatitis B very effectively in some people. In some situations, tenofovir is more effective than adefovir and lamivudine.
How to Take Tenofovir:
Viread is a 300 mg tablet. For chronic hepatitis B, the usual dosing for adults is 300 mg once a day and can be taken with or without food. This dosage might change for people with kidney problems.
Costs of Tenofovir:
One year of treatment with tenofovir can easily cost more than $8,000. However, drug costs vary considerably based on many factors, such as whether you have health insurance, where you live and which pharmacy you use.
Side Effects of Tenofovir:
Possible side effects of tenofovir include headache, nausea or vomiting. Some people might have a decreased bone density from long-term use.
Who Should Not Take Tenofovir:
Anyone who is allergic to tenofovir shouldn't take this drug. Also, it's important to know your HIV status because taking tenofovir can significantly complicate treating HIV. If you have HIV and HBV, do not start therapy for either infection without consulting a physician experienced in treating both infections.
Sources:
Source:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Viral Hepatitis Therapies. Accessed February 22, 2010.
UpToDate, Basow, DS (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2010.
