Tenofovir Antiviral Drug
The actual name of tenofovir is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and 300 doses are used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Tenofovir DF or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults and children 2 years of age or older who weigh at least 10 kg.
How Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Works
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an antiviral drug. It stops the virus from multiplying in human cells. This stops the virus from making new viruses and ends your infection. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It works in HBV and HIV by entering the genetic material of the virus. This stops HIV from making copies of itself and spreading.
Does tenofovir disoproxil fumarate prevent HBV from spreading to others? Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has not been proven to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. However, patients with HBV infection should practice safe sex and avoid using dirty needles.
Is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate safe?
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it as directed and do not skip any doses.
How to take tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HBV infection?
You have to take one tablet daily after a meal, as this increases the absorption of the medicine in the body. Remember, do not skip your dose of this anti-viral medicine without doctor's advice as it may cause many side effects. How long should I take tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HBV infection? The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the HBV infection. You will need to have regular blood tests for at least 6 months to monitor the viral load and the number of T cells.
Your doctor will then decide the duration of the medication. In some cases, treatment may continue for life.
I vomited after taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. What should I do?
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, take another tablet. If you vomit more than 1 hour after taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, you do not need to take another tablet. If you vomit every time you take tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or if the vomiting persists for a long time, consult your doctor.
What should I do if I forget to take tenofovir disoproxil fumarate?
Suppose, one day you forget to take tenofovir disoproxil fumarate within 12 hours of taking it. In such a case, you should take this medicine after food as soon as possible and resume the usual dosing schedule. Again suppose, if you miss a dose of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate by more than 12 hours and it is almost time for the next dose, you should not take the missed dose, i.e. take only one dose and resume the usual dosing schedule.
As a mother, can I breastfeed while being treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HBV infection?
No, you should not breastfeed your baby as a small amount of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate passes into breast milk. Also, there is a possibility of passing hepatitis B virus to your baby through breastfeeding even if your baby does not have hepatitis B infection. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and tell your doctor if any of the side effects bother you. During treatment and for at least six months after you stop taking this medicine, you will need to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function, hepatitis B virus levels, and blood cells.
Can I take Tenofovir df without Doctor’s recommendation?
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can have serious and life-threatening side effects. These include increased lactic acid in the blood, liver problems, and worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms described in this video.
Common Side Effects of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Some of the common side effects are diarrhoea, nausea, itching and rashes, weakness, vomiting, fatigue, stomach pain, increased blood transaminase levels, decreased blood phosphate levels, dizziness, depression or insomnia, and fever. For more information, please click on the video thumbnail below to watch this video till the end.
