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Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
INFORMATION ABOUT TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Uses
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is used in the treatment of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
How Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate works
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 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 disoproxil fumarate
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Diarrhea, Nausea, Rash, Weakness, Vomiting, Fatigue, Abdominal pain, Increased transaminase level in blood, Decreased phosphate level in blood, Pain, Dizziness, Depression, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Fever, Itching
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Lipika Khurana
PGDHHM, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
28 Mar 2025 | 05:38 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Expert advice for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- You have been prescribed Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 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 disoproxil fumarate 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.
- You have been prescribed Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 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 disoproxil fumarate 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 disoproxil fumarate
In case of HIV-1 infection, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 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 disoproxil fumarate 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.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
You should take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate works best when taken with meals or just afterwards. However, taking it without food does not reduce its effectiveness. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
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.
Take another tablet of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate if you vomit within 1 hour of taking it. If you vomit after more than an hour of taking Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, then you need not take another tablet. Consult your doctor if you have vomiting every time you take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or if the vomiting persists for a longer duration.
If you forget to take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, you should take Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with food as soon as possible and resume the normal dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 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.
No, you should not breastfeed your baby since small amounts of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 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.