Before taking Viread, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, hepatitis B, bone problems, or are taking other medications. Regular monitoring may be required during treatment to help ensure the medication remains safe and effective.
Lactic Acidosis and Liver Problems
Although rare, Viread and other medications in the same drug class have been associated with lactic acidosis, a serious condition caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. In rare cases, this condition can be life-threatening.
Viread has also been associated with severe liver problems, including enlarged fatty liver (hepatomegaly with steatosis).
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Hepatitis B Worsening After Stopping Treatment
If you have chronic hepatitis B, stopping Viread suddenly may cause the infection to worsen significantly. This can lead to serious liver complications and, in some cases, liver failure.
Do not stop taking Viread without first consulting your healthcare provider. If treatment is discontinued, your healthcare provider may monitor your liver function closely for several months.
HIV Drug Resistance
For people with HIV, Viread should be used as part of a complete antiretroviral treatment regimen. Using Viread alone in someone with undiagnosed or untreated HIV infection may increase the risk of the virus becoming resistant to treatment.
Your healthcare provider may perform HIV testing before starting Viread, particularly if it is being prescribed for hepatitis B treatment.
Kidney Problems
Viread can affect kidney function and has been associated with serious kidney-related side effects, including:
- Acute kidney injury
- Kidney failure
- Fanconi syndrome, a condition that affects the kidneys’ ability to properly filter and reabsorb important substances
Your healthcare provider may perform blood and urine tests before and during treatment to monitor kidney health.
Tell your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as:
- Reduced urination
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Unusual fatigue
- Muscle weakness
Increased Risk with Certain Medications
The risk of kidney problems may be higher if Viread is taken with other medications that can affect the kidneys.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, especially:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Certain antibiotics
- Antiviral medications
- Other drugs known to affect kidney function
Bone Health Concerns
Viread has been associated with decreased bone mineral density, which may weaken bones over time and increase the risk of fractures.
People who may require closer monitoring include those with:
- A history of osteoporosis
- Previous bone fractures
- Osteopenia (low bone density)
- Other conditions that affect bone health
Your healthcare provider may recommend bone density testing if you are at increased risk.
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
As HIV treatment begins to improve immune system function, some people may develop immune reconstitution syndrome. This occurs when the recovering immune system begins responding to previously hidden infections, causing inflammation and new symptoms.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop new symptoms after starting treatment.
Liver Disease Considerations
People with existing liver disease or a history of hepatitis B should use Viread with caution. Additional monitoring may be needed to assess liver function throughout treatment.
Viread is generally not recommended for individuals with severe liver impairment unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.
Changes in Kidney Function Tests
Viread may cause:
- Increased blood creatinine levels
- Decreased estimated creatinine clearance (eGFR)
- Other changes in kidney function tests
Regular laboratory monitoring can help identify these changes early and allow treatment adjustments if necessary.
Important Safety Information
- Do not stop taking Viread without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Attend all scheduled blood tests and follow-up appointments.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any history of kidney disease, liver disease, hepatitis B, or bone disorders.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take.
- Report symptoms of kidney problems, liver problems, or unusual bone pain promptly.
Taking Viread exactly as prescribed and maintaining regular medical monitoring can help maximize the benefits of treatment while reducing the risk of serious complications.
REVIEWS