Indications
Viread (active ingredient: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- HIV Infection: Viread is used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older, in combination with other antiretroviral agents.
- Chronic Hepatitis B: Viread is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.
Viread belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by interfering with the replication of HIV and HBV, thereby inhibiting their ability to multiply and reducing viral load in the body.
Uses and Dosage
Viread is available in tablet form to be taken orally with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablet and drink a glass of water afterward. The appropriate dosage depends on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment, while for children, it also depends on weight.
Take Viread oral drug regularly to achieve the best results. Make a dosing schedule and make sure not to skip any doses. Never increase your dose or take it more often unless advised by your physician. More importantly, do not stop taking Viread even for a brief time. Changing or skipping your dose may increase the virus and make it more difficult to treat.
The recommended dosage of Viread in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 35 kg is one 300 mg tablet taken orally once daily, without regard to food. The appropriate dosage may vary based on medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment, while for children, it may also depend on weight.
To ensure maximum effectiveness and prevent the amount of virus from increasing and becoming resistant or worsening side effects, it is recommended to continue taking Viread (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid skipping or changing the dose without prior approval from your doctor.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Viread (Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate):
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects of Viread (Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate):
- Joint pain
- Mental or mood changes
- Persistent headache
- Persistent muscle aches or weakness
- Severe fatigue
- Signs of Guillain-Barre syndrome (breathing difficulty, trouble moving the eyes, drooping face, paralysis, trouble speaking)
- Signs of hyperthyroidism (bulging eyes, goiter, irritability, heat intolerance, palpitation)
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent sore throat. Swollen lymph nodes)
- Signs of kidney problems (change in urinary output, dark urine)
- Signs of lactic acidosis (shortness of breath, cramps, rapid and shallow breathing, burning sensation in the muscles)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vision changes
Form and Strength
Viread (Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate) is available in the following forms and strength:
Viread: Tablets
- 300 mg
Caution
- Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including Viread
- Risk of exacerbation of hepatitis B in patients who discontinue Viread or other anti-hepatitis B therapy
- Risk of development of HIV-1 resistance if Viread is used as monotherapy in the presence of unrecognized HIV-1 infection
- Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome, has been reported with the use of Viread
- Bone demineralization and bone fractures have been reported with the use of Viread
- Viread should be used with caution in patients with liver disease or a history of hepatitis B, and should be avoided in patients with severe hepatic impairment
- Viread may cause a decrease in bone mineral density and immune reconstitution syndrome
- Increased risk of renal toxicity when Viread is coadministered with other nephrotoxic drugs
- Viread should be used with caution in patients with a history of bone disease or at risk for osteopenia
- Viread may cause an increase in plasma creatinine and a decrease in estimated creatinine clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does tenofovir treatment take?
Long-term tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with sustained viral suppression and regression of fibrosis and cirrhosis at year 5 (240 weeks) and no TDF resistance through 6 years (288 weeks).
How fast does tenofovir work?
Viread usually starts working within the first 4 weeks, with a noticeable reduction in HIV viral load (amount of HIV virus in your blood). Within three to six months, the viral load in a large proportion of people falls to an undetectable level.
What happens if you stop taking Viread (tenofovir)?
If you stop taking Viread (tenofovir) and continue your other HIV ARVs, HIV can start to grow and become resistant to the HIV ARVs you are currently taking (resistance means the medications no longer work for the virus). If you have hepatitis B and stop taking Viread (tenofovir), the virus can flare-up and lead to permanent liver damage.
Does Viread (tenofovir) cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Viread (tenofovir). There have been some case studies looking at people reporting hair loss with the recent version of the medication, tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy).
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