Drug Info
- Brand Name: Tenofovir
- Active Ingredient: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Manufacturer: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Active substance Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a prodrug of tenofovir, a nucleotide analogue with antiviral activity against HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus. After oral administration, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is converted into tenofovir, which enters cells and undergoes phosphorylation to form the active metabolite tenofovir diphosphate. This metabolite competes with naturally occurring deoxyadenosine triphosphate for incorporation into viral DNA. Once incorporated, it causes premature termination of the DNA chain and inhibits further viral DNA synthesis, thereby reducing the ability of HIV and HBV to replicate.
The antiviral effect depends on maintaining adequate intracellular concentrations of tenofovir diphosphate, making consistent dosing important for effective therapy. Tenofovir is eliminated mainly through the kidneys by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion, so renal function is an important consideration before and during treatment. In patients with impaired kidney function, exposure to tenofovir can increase and the dosing interval may need to be adjusted. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may also affect bone mineral density in some patients, particularly during prolonged treatment or in people with osteoporosis, previous fractures, renal tubular dysfunction, or other risk factors for bone disease.
Indications for use
Tenofovir is used for:
- Treatment of HIV-1 infection as part of combination antiretroviral therapy with other appropriate medicines.
- Suppression of HIV replication and reduction of viral load in people living with HIV.
- Maintenance and recovery of immune system function when included in an effective HIV treatment regimen.
- Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in appropriate adult and pediatric patients.
- Suppression of HBV replication and reduction of ongoing virus-related liver injury.
For HIV-1 infection, Tenofovir must be used as part of an appropriate multidrug antiretroviral regimen rather than as the only HIV medicine. The complete regimen is selected according to previous treatment, resistance profile, kidney function, concomitant conditions, and other medicines. For chronic hepatitis B, treatment duration depends on virological response, liver function, stage of liver disease, previous therapy, and individual clinical factors. Patients with both HIV and HBV require particular attention because therapy must provide an effective HIV regimen while maintaining adequate activity against hepatitis B.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg alone should not be confused with fixed-dose combinations containing tenofovir plus another antiretroviral substance. Standard oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens generally use tenofovir disoproxil fumarate together with emtricitabine rather than Tenofovir 300 mg as a single active substance.
Treatment regimens and dosages
The usual dose for adults and patients weighing at least 35 kg is Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300 mg once daily. For HIV-1 treatment, one 300 mg tablet is taken once daily as part of a complete combination antiretroviral regimen. For chronic hepatitis B, the usual adult dose is also 300 mg once daily. The tablet may be taken with or without food and should preferably be taken at approximately the same time each day to support consistent antiviral activity and good treatment adherence. The duration of HIV therapy is generally long term, while the duration of treatment for chronic hepatitis B is determined individually according to virological response, liver condition, and other clinical factors.
Kidney function should be assessed before treatment and monitored during therapy because tenofovir is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. In adults with creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or greater, the usual 300 mg once-daily schedule can generally be used. In patients with reduced renal function, the interval between doses may need to be extended; patients with severe renal impairment or those receiving hemodialysis require an individualized dosing schedule. Patients should never increase the dose, take additional tablets, change the dosing interval, or stop therapy without medical advice, particularly when Tenofovir is being used for chronic hepatitis B because abrupt discontinuation may be followed by a significant worsening of hepatitis.
Recommendations for use
Take Tenofovir exactly as prescribed and at approximately the same time every day. Consistent administration is important because missed doses can allow viral replication to increase and, during HIV treatment, may contribute to the development of resistance. The tablet can generally be taken with or without food; patients who experience nausea or stomach discomfort may find it easier to take the medicine with a meal. Maintain adequate hydration unless a healthcare professional has advised fluid restriction because of another condition, and attend all scheduled appointments for assessment of antiviral response, kidney function, liver function, and other relevant laboratory parameters.
When Tenofovir is prescribed for HIV-1 infection, all other antiretroviral medicines in the treatment regimen should also be taken exactly as directed. Tenofovir should not be used by itself as complete HIV therapy. Inform the treating healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products before beginning treatment. Patients receiving Tenofovir for chronic hepatitis B should not stop treatment simply because they feel well or because laboratory results improve, as HBV replication may increase again after discontinuation and significant exacerbation of hepatitis can occur.
Missed Dose
If you forget a dose of Tenofovir, take it as soon as you remember unless it is already close to the time of the next scheduled dose. If the next dose is due soon, skip the forgotten tablet and continue with the normal dosing schedule. Do not take two tablets at the same time or take an additional dose to compensate for a missed tablet. Repeatedly missing doses may reduce antiviral effectiveness and, in HIV treatment, can contribute to the development of resistance, so patients who frequently forget their medicine should discuss adherence strategies with a healthcare professional.
Precautions
Before starting Tenofovir, inform your healthcare professional about kidney disease, reduced kidney function, osteoporosis, previous bone fractures, liver disease, chronic hepatitis B, HIV infection, and all medicines currently being used. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can cause new or worsening renal impairment, including increased serum creatinine, proximal renal tubular dysfunction, and, rarely, Fanconi syndrome. Renal function should therefore be evaluated before treatment and monitored during therapy. Patients with chronic kidney disease may also require monitoring of serum phosphorus. Medicines that can damage the kidneys, particularly high-dose or repeated nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other nephrotoxic agents, should be used cautiously because they may increase the risk of renal complications.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may reduce bone mineral density, and persistent bone pain, fractures, pain in the extremities, or unexplained muscle weakness should be medically evaluated, particularly when renal tubular dysfunction is also suspected. Before Tenofovir is started for chronic hepatitis B, HIV status should be assessed because Tenofovir alone is not an adequate treatment regimen for a person with HIV-1 infection. Patients with HIV/HBV coinfection should receive Tenofovir only as part of an appropriate combination antiretroviral regimen. Severe exacerbations of hepatitis B can occur after treatment is discontinued, so liver function and other appropriate laboratory markers may need to be monitored for several months after stopping therapy.
Use during pregnancy
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has substantial clinical experience in antiretroviral therapy, including use during pregnancy. For pregnant individuals living with HIV, maintaining an effective antiretroviral regimen is important for maternal health and for reducing the risk of HIV transmission to the child. The complete treatment regimen should be reviewed by a healthcare professional experienced in HIV management. For chronic hepatitis B, the decision to initiate or continue Tenofovir during pregnancy depends on maternal liver disease, HBV viral load, treatment history, and the potential risk of transmission to the infant.
Patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or believe they may be pregnant should inform their healthcare professional and should not discontinue treatment without medical advice. Recommendations concerning breastfeeding depend on HIV status, the reason for treatment, maternal viral suppression, local clinical guidance, and individual circumstances, so this decision should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Tenofovir may cause side effects, although not every patient experiences them. Common reactions can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and skin rash. Some gastrointestinal symptoms are most noticeable during the first part of treatment and may become less pronounced as the body adapts. Laboratory tests may also show changes that are not immediately noticeable to the patient, which is why periodic monitoring remains important during long-term therapy.
- Common side effects: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and rash.
- Kidney-related effects: increased serum creatinine, reduced kidney function, proximal renal tubular dysfunction, or rarely Fanconi syndrome.
- Bone-related effects: reduction in bone mineral density, bone pain, muscular weakness, or increased susceptibility to fractures in patients with additional risk factors.
- Liver-related concerns: worsening of hepatitis B after Tenofovir is discontinued in patients with chronic HBV infection.
- Serious symptoms requiring medical assessment: marked reduction in urination, swelling, persistent vomiting, severe or persistent bone pain, unexplained muscle weakness, breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or a severe skin reaction.
Any severe, persistent, or unusual symptom should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Some clinically important adverse effects, particularly renal abnormalities, may first be detected through laboratory monitoring rather than symptoms, so scheduled blood and urine testing should not be skipped.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: interaction with other drugs
Tenofovir may interact with medicines that affect kidney function or are eliminated through similar renal pathways. Concurrent or recent use of nephrotoxic medicines can increase the risk of renal impairment; examples include certain aminoglycoside antibiotics and high-dose or repeated nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines that compete for active tubular secretion may also affect the concentration of tenofovir or the other medicine. Patients with existing renal risk factors may require more frequent monitoring when such combinations cannot be avoided.
Tenofovir should not normally be used together with another medicine that already contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, tenofovir alafenamide, or another formulation intended to provide the same antiviral component unless the combination has specifically been prescribed. Coadministration with didanosine can increase didanosine exposure and the risk of associated adverse reactions. Certain boosted antiretroviral regimens and some medicines used for hepatitis C can increase tenofovir exposure, which may increase the need for monitoring of renal function and adverse effects. Always provide the healthcare professional with a complete list of medicines, supplements, and herbal products before treatment is started or changed.
Analogs & Generics
Same active ingredient (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate — international examples)
- Tenvir 300 mg— tablets containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg, used in antiviral therapy for HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B
- Viread 300 mg — tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets used for HIV-1 treatment and chronic hepatitis B
- Tenohep 300 mg — tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets used as part of antiretroviral therapy and for chronic hepatitis B
- Tenof 300 mg — oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate formulation for long-term antiviral treatment
- Tenfoclear 300 mg — tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets used in HIV and hepatitis B treatment according to clinical indications
Drug analogs (different active ingredient, same therapeutic purpose)
- Tenofovir Alafenamide — a prodrug of tenofovir used in HIV treatment and chronic hepatitis B therapy, generally at lower doses than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- Entecavir — nucleoside analogue used for long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis B
- Lamivudine — nucleoside analogue used in combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV and in selected hepatitis B treatment regimens
- Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate — fixed-dose antiviral combination used for HIV treatment and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide — fixed-dose antiretroviral combination used in selected HIV treatment and prevention regimens
(Selection of therapy depends on the indication, HIV or HBV status, kidney function, resistance profile, previous antiviral treatment, concomitant medicines, and medical assessment.)
Storage
Store Tenofovir at controlled room temperature according to the instructions supplied with the medicine and protect the tablets from excessive heat and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original container with the cap tightly closed and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or humid conditions. Do not use tablets after the expiration date printed on the packaging, and keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Specific permitted temperature excursions can differ between marketed presentations, so the storage instructions printed on the package should always be followed.
Customer Experience – What to Expect
Tenofovir does not usually produce an immediate physical sensation that shows whether treatment is working. In HIV-1 treatment, effectiveness is assessed mainly by monitoring HIV viral load and, when appropriate, immune status. When Tenofovir is included in a fully effective antiretroviral regimen and taken consistently, viral replication should progressively decrease and sustained viral suppression can be achieved. Changes in immune function occur gradually, and feeling well does not mean that treatment can be stopped. Some patients experience temporary nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, or fatigue when beginning treatment, while others notice few or no treatment-related symptoms.
In chronic hepatitis B, response to treatment is evaluated through HBV DNA levels, liver enzymes, and other clinical and laboratory markers rather than through immediate changes in how the patient feels. Suppression of HBV replication can reduce ongoing liver injury, but regular follow-up remains necessary to assess response and determine how long therapy should continue. Kidney function and, in selected patients, bone health may also require monitoring during long-term treatment. Tenofovir controls viral replication but does not eliminate HIV from the body, and patients should continue therapy for as long as recommended by their healthcare professional.
FAQ
What does Tenofovir contain?
Tenofovir contains Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300 mg, a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor active against HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus.
What is Tenofovir used for?
Tenofovir is used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection and for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
How often is Tenofovir taken?
The usual adult dose is 300 mg once daily. Patients with impaired kidney function may require an extended dosing interval determined by a healthcare professional.
Can Tenofovir be taken alone for HIV treatment?
No. Tenofovir is one component of HIV therapy and must be combined with other appropriate antiretroviral medicines.
Can Tenofovir be taken with food?
Yes. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300 mg can generally be taken with or without food. Taking the tablet at approximately the same time each day can help maintain a consistent treatment routine.
Is Tenofovir 300 mg used alone for HIV prevention?
Standard oral pre-exposure prophylaxis regimens generally combine Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate with another antiretroviral medicine, such as emtricitabine. Tenofovir 300 mg containing a single active substance should not be assumed to be equivalent to these fixed-dose PrEP combinations.
The best offer for Tenofovir online on the market
Right now you can buy Tenofovir in our online pharmacy. If you are looking for the best place to order Tenofovir or other medicines containing Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, then you have come to the right place.
Advantages of our pharmacy:
- Confidentiality. Most people prefer to keep their treatment private. By ordering Tenofovir online, you avoid unnecessary face-to-face discussions.
- Price. Buying Tenofovir online provides a convenient way to compare treatment costs and select an appropriate purchasing option.
- Quantity. Long-term antiviral treatment may require a continuous supply of medication. The required quantity should correspond to the treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Convenience. Online ordering can simplify access to long-term medicines and reduce unnecessary travel while maintaining appropriate medical supervision.
- Information. On our website, you can find information about Tenofovir dosage, possible side effects, precautions, interactions, HIV treatment, and chronic hepatitis B treatment.
We work hard to provide the best possible customer service and to ensure that our medications help patients achieve the intended therapeutic effect.
