About tenofovir disoproxil
Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Used for
- Treats HIV infection with other medicines.
- Treats chronic hepatitis B.
Usual adult dose
245 mg by mouth once daily with food; dose adjustments may be needed for kidney problems.
Usual dose in children
For HIV, children weighing at least 35 kg: 245 mg once daily; younger children need weight-based dosing.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or headache
- Kidney injury
- Reduced bone mineral density
- Rare lactic acidosis or severe liver enlargement
Important warnings
- Can worsen hepatitis B after stopping treatment.
- Kidney function and bone health may need monitoring.
- Avoid combining with other tenofovir-containing medicines unless specifically directed.
- Not effective alone for HIV; use with other antiretroviral medicines.
Pregnancy
Generally considered usable during pregnancy when needed to treat HIV or hepatitis B; treatment decisions require clinician oversight.
Breastfeeding
Tenofovir passes into breast milk. HIV guidance generally advises against breastfeeding where safe alternatives are available.
Interactions
- Kidney-toxic medicines, including high-dose or multiple NSAIDs, may increase kidney injury risk.
- Didanosine levels may rise; avoid combination unless specialist-directed.
- Some HIV medicines, including didanosine and atazanavir, require careful interaction management.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.