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Tenofovir |
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What is Tenofovir and why is it prescribed? Tenofovir is one of the drugs prescribed to fight HIV. Tenofovir staves off the attack by interfering with HIV reverse transcriptase, an enzyme the virus needs to reproduce. Tenofovir lowers the amount of HIV in the blood and may help increase the number of T cells, important agents of the immune system that kill microscopic foreign invaders. It is used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs when these drugs are not effective by themselves. Tenofovir does not completely eliminate HIV or totally restore the immune system. Notify your doctor immediately of any changes in your general health. How should you take Tenofovir? Follow your doctors directions for taking Tenofovir. Be sure to take Tenofovir once a day, every day. Set up a regular schedule so you won't forget, and always get a new supply when the drug runs low. If you don't keep Tenofovir in your system, the virus may develop resistance. Take Tenofovir with meals. Food increases the amount of Tenofovir that reaches the bloodstream. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Tenofovir at room temperature. Throw away any medication that is out of date. Are there any Tenofovir side effects? Tenofovir side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Tenofovir side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Tenofovir? If Tenofovir is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tenofovir with Acyclovir (Zovirax), Cidofovir (Vistide), Ganciclovir (Cytovene), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), or Valganciclovir (Valcyte). If you are taking didanosine (Videx), you should take your dose of Tenofovir 2 hours before or 1 hour after the didanosine. Are there any special warnings about Tenofovir? Tenofovir should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Tenofovir has been known to cause liver damage and a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. If you are a woman, are overweight, have liver disease, or have used Tenofovir for a long time you are more likely to develop this condition. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of lactic acid buildup, including shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and stomach/intestinal pain. If you have a kidney condition, make sure your doctor knows. People with severe kidney problems shouldn't take Tenofovir. Tenofovir has not been approved for children. |
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