Treating HIV infection in combination with other medicines. It is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Viread (Tenofovir) is an antiviral reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It works to treat HIV infection by reducing the amount of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) in the body by blocking the ability of the virus to multiply. It works to treat HBV infection by reducing the amount of HBV in the body by blocking the ability of the virus to multiply and infect new liver cells. Viread (Tenofovir) is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Do NOT use Viread (Tenofovir) if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Viread (Tenofovir)
you have a history of abnormal liver function tests, severe liver problems (eg, an enlarged liver), or lactic acidosis
you take adefovir or other medicines that contain tenofovir
you take a medicine that may harm your kidneys (eg, an aminoglycoside antibiotic [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, cyclosporine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID] [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin). Ask your doctor if you are not sure if any of your medicines might harm your kidneys
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Viread (Tenofovir):
Some medical conditions may interact with Viread (Tenofovir). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of bone problems or kidney problems (including dialysis treatment), or if you are overweight
if you have liver problems, including HBV infection
if you have HIV infection
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Viread (Tenofovir). Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, aminoglycoside antibiotics [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, cyclosporine, NSAIDs [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin) because they may increase the risk of Viread (Tenofovir)'s side effects. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if any of your medicines might harm your kidneys
Certain antiviral medicines (eg, acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir) because they may increase the risk of Viread (Tenofovir)'s side effects
Adefovir, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir), lopinavir/ritonavir, or medicines that contain tenofovir because they may increase the risk of Viread (Tenofovir)'s side effects
Didanosine because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Viread (Tenofovir)
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your doctor if Viread (Tenofovir) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Viread (Tenofovir):
Use Viread (Tenofovir) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient leaflet is available with Viread (Tenofovir). Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Take Viread (Tenofovir) by mouth with or without food.
Continue to take Viread (Tenofovir) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Taking Viread (Tenofovir) at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Do not suddenly stop taking Viread (Tenofovir) without checking with your doctor. This may cause the virus to become less sensitive to this or other medicines. Some conditions (eg, hepatitis B) could become worse if you suddenly stop taking Viread (Tenofovir).
If you miss a dose of Viread (Tenofovir), take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about how to use Viread (Tenofovir).
Important safety information:
Viread (Tenofovir) may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Viread (Tenofovir) with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
If you have HIV infection, you should be tested for HBV infection before you start to take Viread (Tenofovir). If you have HBV infection, you should be tested for HIV infection before you start to take Viread (Tenofovir).
Keep a list of all the medicines that you take. Make a new list each time medicines are added or stopped. Find out about medicines that should not be taken while you are using Viread (Tenofovir).
When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking Viread (Tenofovir), even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat.
Viread (Tenofovir) is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.
Viread (Tenofovir) does not stop the spread of HIV or HBV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors.
If you have HBV infection, you will need close medical follow-up for several months after stopping treatment with Viread (Tenofovir). Follow-up includes medical exams and blood tests to check for HBV infection that could be getting worse.
Viread (Tenofovir) may improve immune system function. This may reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of infection (eg, fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath) after you start Viread (Tenofovir).
Check with your doctor to see if you should take a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you are taking Viread (Tenofovir).
Changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking Viread (Tenofovir). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Lab tests, including liver and kidney function and bone mineral density, may be performed while you use Viread (Tenofovir). These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Viread (Tenofovir) with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Viread (Tenofovir) while you are pregnant. It is not known if Viread (Tenofovir) is found in breast milk. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Viread (Tenofovir) to the baby. Do not breast-feed while taking Viread (Tenofovir).
Possible side effects of Viread (Tenofovir):
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abnormal skin sensations; back pain; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; indigestion; loss of appetite; nausea; sleeplessness; sweating; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; bone pain; chest pain; fever, chills, or sore throat; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); numbness, burning, pain, or tingling in the hands or feet; pneumonia; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; stomach pain; symptoms of kidney problems (eg, increased or decreased urination, increased thirst); symptoms of lactic acidosis (eg, unusual weakness or tiredness; unusual muscle pain; fast or difficult breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feeling cold, especially in the arms and legs; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast or irregular heartbeat); symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; persistent loss of appetite).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your doctor.
Proper storage of Viread (Tenofovir):
Store Viread (Tenofovir) at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not use Viread (Tenofovir) if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. Keep Viread (Tenofovir) in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. If you throw any medicines away, make sure that children or pets cannot find them. Keep Viread (Tenofovir) out of the reach of children and away from pets.
