Tenofovir Alafenamide
Information about Tenofovir Alafenamide
Tenofovir alafenamide uses
Tenofovir Alafenamide is used in the treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
How tenofovir alafenamide works
Tenofovir Alafenamide is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Common side effects of tenofovir alafenamide
Headache
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Last updated on:
14 Mar 2019 | 12:56 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Tenofovir Alafenamide
- You have been prescribed Tenofovir Alafenamide for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections.
- Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
- Tenofovir Alafenamide may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
- You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
- During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.
Frequently asked questions for Tenofovir Alafenamide
Tenofovir Alafenamide
Q. Does Tenofovir Alafenamide prevent passing of HIV-1 and HBV to others?
In case of HIV-1 infection, Tenofovir Alafenamide may reduce the risk of passing the virus to others, but the chances of infecting others still persist. However, in case of HBV infection, Tenofovir Alafenamide has not proven to reduce risk of transferring the virus to others. Therefore, the patients of both HIV-1 infection and HBV infection should practice safe sex and should not share dirty needles.
Q. Is Tenofovir Alafenamide safe to use?
Yes, Tenofovir Alafenamide is safe if used according to the doctor’s advice. The side effects seen with Tenofovir Alafenamide are usually mild and not serious.
Q. Upset stomach (vomiting and diarrhea) is very commonly seen with Tenofovir Alafenamide. Will it help if I take Tenofovir Alafenamide with food?
No, Tenofovir Alafenamide works best when taken with meals or just afterwards. However, taking it without food does not reduce its effectiveness.
Q. For how long do I need to take Tenofovir Alafenamide for HBV infection?
Duration of treatment will depend on the severity of HBV infection. You will need to take periodic blood tests to keep a check on the viral load and number of T cells. Your doctor will then decide the duration of the medicine accordingly. In some cases, treatment is required life long.
Q. I vomited after taking Tenofovir Alafenamide. What should I do?
Take another tablet of Tenofovir Alafenamide if you vomit within 1 hour of taking it. If you vomit after more than an hour of taking Tenofovir Alafenamide, then you need not take another tablet. Consult your doctor if you have vomiting every time you take Tenofovir Alafenamide.
Q. What should I do if I forget to take Tenofovir Alafenamide?
If you forget to take Tenofovir Alafenamide within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, you should take Tenofovir Alafenamide with food as soon as possible and resume the normal dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of Tenofovir Alafenamide by more than 12 hours and it is almost time for the next dose, you should not take the missed dose and simply resume the usual dosing schedule.
Q. Can I stop taking Tenofovir Alafenamide if I start feeling better?
It is extremely important that you do not stop taking Tenofovir Alafenamide without consulting your doctor. Your doctor must have prescribed Tenofovir Alafenamide to treat your HBV infection or both HIV and HBV infections. If you stop taking this medicine suddenly, the disease might return in a way much worse than before. It would be much harder to treat the disease then. As a result, it may lead to liver failure, possibly liver transplantation or even death.
Q. Can I breastfeed while receiving treatment with Tenofovir Alafenamide for chronic HBV infection?
No, you should not breastfeed your baby since small amounts of Tenofovir Alafenamide pass into breast milk. Further, if your baby does not have HIV or HBV, there is a chance that the baby can get HIV or HBV through breastfeeding.