IMPORTANT WARNING:
Tenofovir, when used alone or in combination with other antiviral medications, may cause serious damage to the liver and a condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: upset stomach, loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, weakness, dark yellow or brown urine, unusual bleeding or bruising, flu-like symptoms, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and pain in the upper right part of your stomach. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to tenofovir. |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Tenofovir is used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir is in a class of antiviral medications called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Tenofovir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Tenofovir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
How should this medicine be used?
Tenofovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tenofovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take tenofovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tenofovir without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
Brand names of combination products
- Atripla® (containing Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir
| - Truvada® containing Tenofovir and Emtricitabine)
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