Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Viread

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

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 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.

This medication may cause lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the body, which can be fatal). Lactic acidosis can start slowly and get worse over time. 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, fast or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

liver damage - nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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 develop lactic acidosis while taking tenofovir. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, fast 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 this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function for several months after you stop using tenofovir. Visit your doctor regularly.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tenofovir (Viread)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.