Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Viread

Generic Name: tenofovir (Pronunciation: ten OF oh vir)

• What is tenofovir (Viread)?
• What are the possible side effects of tenofovir (Viread)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tenofovir (Viread)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tenofovir (Viread)?
• How should I take tenofovir (Viread)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Viread)?
• What happens if I overdose (Viread)?
• What should I avoid while taking tenofovir (Viread)?
• What other drugs will affect tenofovir (Viread)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is tenofovir (Viread)?

Tenofovir is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Tenofovir is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Tenofovir is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B.

Tenofovir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Viread 300 mg

egg, blue, imprinted with GILEAD 4331, 300

What are the possible side effects of tenofovir (Viread)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• liver damage - nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• lactic acidosis - muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, dizziness, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired;
• kidney problems - increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, weakness, constipation, urinating less than usual or not at all;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• any other signs of new infection.

Less serious side effects may include:

• sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;
• depression, headache, dizziness;
• diarrhea, bloating, gas;
• muscle or joint pain;
• skin rash; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about tenofovir (Viread)?

Do not take other medicines that also contain tenofovir (such as Truvada).

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking tenofovir. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

Tenofovir can also cause severe or fatal liver problems. Symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking tenofovir, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function on a regular basis for several months after you stop using this medication. Do not miss any scheduled visits.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.