TENOFOVIR

Other names: Viread™, PMPA

WHY is this medication prescribed ?

Tenofovir belongs to a new class of drugs called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.  It is used together with other antiretrovirals to slow down the progression of HIV infection. 

Tenofovir does not cure AIDS or kill the HIV virus, but helps to prevent further damage by slowing down production of new viruses.  Treatment with tenofovir does not reduce the risk of passing infection on to others.  As the effect of tenofovir may decrease with time, it is important that your progress is assessed regularly by your doctor.

HOW should this drug be taken ?

Tenofovir is supplied as 300 mg tablet.

In general, the dose of tenofovir is 300 mg (one tablet)  once daily.

Tenofovir should be taken with  food.

What should you do if you FORGET a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time of the next dose. Do not double the dose, just carry on with your regular dosing schedule. Always check to ensure that the drug has not expired before using it.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?

Most side effects reported with tenofovir are mild, and may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and flatulence (intestinal gas).   If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit.

Rare side effects have been observed such as increases in liver and muscle enzymes.  To monitor for these side effects, blood tests must be done regularly.

The long-term effects of tenofovir are unknown at this time.  The kidneys eliminate tenofovir from the body; it is possible that minor kidney damage may occur with long-term use, but so far this effect has not been seen.

As more people use tenofovir for longer periods of time, other side effects may appear.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.

What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?

Tenofovir can interact with other drugs, such as didanosine (ddI, Videx, Videx EC).  It is important that your physician or pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription or herbal medicines.

The safety of tenofovir has not been established during pregnancy or breast feeding as well as in children.  Safety of tenofovir has not been established in children.   It is also not known whether tenofovir is safe to use in people with existing kidney damage. 

Please discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.

How should this medication be STORED?

Store tenofovir tablets at room temperature (15-30< C).  KEEP THIS AND ANY OTHER DRUGS OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE ("EXP") shown on the outside of the package.

Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen as heat and moisture may cause the medication to lose potency.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE.

WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.

A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions. 

The telephone number is ___________.  Please ask for ____________________.