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Author Details
Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
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TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE
Background and Date of approval TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is an antiviral medication, which was approved for its medical use on 26th October 2001.
Uses of TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate has been developed to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adults and children above the age of 2 years.
How is TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE administered?
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is available as film coated tablets in the dose 300mg. The usual recommended dosage of this medication is one tablet everyday with or without food. For adults and children with body weight over 35kg, the usual recommended dose is 300mg per day. For children weighing between 17kg and 35kg, the accurate dose will be calculated by the physician based on the child’s body weight.
Side Effects of TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet are pain, depression, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, diarrhoea, rash, stomach pain, sleeping problems, dizziness, itching and fever. Some serious adverse reactions include bone loss, liver problems, kidney injury, immune reconstitution syndrome and lactic acidosis. If you experience any allergic reactions after taking this tablet, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Do not take this medication if you have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or any of its ingredients. During the Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure, pancreatitis, bone disease, fractures, liver or kidney problems.Â
Precautions
Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment as this medication is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential transmission of HIV from mother to the baby.
Word of Advice
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate can make you feel dizzy and tired. Hence, you should avoid driving or handling machines during this treatment. Do not stop taking Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet without consulting your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
How long does it take for Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate to work?
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate typically takes 4 weeks to reduce viral load in the blood and show effect.
Q2.
Can you consume alcohol while on treatment with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet?
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet is associated with a higher risk of liver damage and impairment. Consuming alcohol while on this treatment adds on to the risk of liver injury.
Q3.
What are the required laboratory parameters prior to starting this treatment?
If you are an adolescent or adult of childbearing potential, your healthcare provider will perform pregnancy test before prescribing this treatment. other prominent tests include test for HBV infection, serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose and urine protein.
Q4.
How do you know if you are hypersensitive to Dolutegravir, Lamivudine or Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate?
Watch out for symptoms like severe rash, rash accompanied by fever, muscle pain, extreme tiredness, facial edema, breathing difficulty, blisters and peeling of skin and reach out to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.Â
Q5.
What are some of the long-term side effects of this medication?
Some serious side effects of this medication include worsening of hepatitis B, bone loss, kidney injury, immune reconstitution syndrome, liver toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions.
Q6.
What are the symptoms of lactic acidosis?
Unusual weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, light headedness, irregular heartbeat and feeling cold especially in your arms and legs are the most prominent symptoms of lactic acidosis.
References
1. KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872.
2. Gilead Sciences, Inc., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Apr 2019] [Accessed on 17th Sep 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/pepfar/210787PI.pdf
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
