About tenofovir
Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Used for
- Treats HIV infection with other antiretroviral medicines.
- Treats chronic hepatitis B in adults and some adolescents.
Usual adult dose
Usually 300 mg by mouth once daily; kidney impairment may require adjustment.
Usual dose in children
For HIV, typically 8 mg/kg once daily (maximum 300 mg) for children weighing 10 kg or more; dosing depends on formulation and kidney function.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, or dizziness
- Kidney problems, including reduced kidney function
- Reduced bone mineral density
- Rarely, lactic acidosis or severe liver enlargement
Important warnings
- Kidney function should be monitored; dose adjustment may be needed.
- Stopping treatment for hepatitis B can cause severe worsening of liver disease.
- Not a complete HIV treatment when used alone.
- Rarely causes serious lactic acidosis or liver problems.
Pregnancy
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is commonly used during pregnancy for HIV or hepatitis B when indicated.
Breastfeeding
For HIV, breastfeeding is generally not recommended where safe alternatives are available; hepatitis B requires individualized assessment.
Interactions
- Other medicines that can harm the kidneys may increase kidney injury risk.
- Didanosine levels may rise; combining them can increase toxicity.
- Some hepatitis C antivirals can increase tenofovir exposure.
- Avoid combining with other tenofovir-containing products unless specifically directed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.