Viread (Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate)

What is Viread?

Viread (tenofovir) is an antiviral medication that belongs to a family of drugs called Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs).

What is Viread used for?

Viread is used with other medicines to help control HIV infection (which causes AIDS or Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). However, this medicine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It lowers the risk of getting HIV disease complications. The medicine is also used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection (liver infection). It helps decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.

How does Viread work?

Viread works by keeping HIV (virus) from reproducing in the body. The medicine reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body by interfering with the growth of the virus.

How to use Viread

Viread should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood, kidney and liver function tested on a regular basis.

Viread warnings and precautions

Do not take Viread if you are allergic to any medicine that contains tenofovir (for example, Truvada). Also, do not take Viread if you are already taking Truvada or Hepsera.

Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, osteopenia (low bone mineral density), congestive heart failure, or Hepatitis B infection.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine. Also, avoid having unprotected sex, or sharing razors, needles, or toothbrushes.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use Viread without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Viread dose?

If you have missed your Viread dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Viread overdose?

If you have taken a Viread overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Viread interactions

Before taking Viread, consult your doctor if you take tacrolimus (Prograf), pentamidine (Nebupent, Pentam), amphotericin B (AmBisome, Fungizone, Amphotec, Abelcet); antiviral medicines such as cidofovir (Vistide), acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene), valganciclovir (Valcyte), or foscarnet (Foscavir); antibiotics like vancomycin (Vancoled, Vancocin), capreomycin (Capastat), or rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater); cancer medication such as carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), aldesleukin (Proleukin), cisplatin (Platinol), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), ifosfamide (Ifex), streptozocin (Zanosar), or tretinoin (Vesanoid); NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), nabumetone (Relafen), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, piroxicam (Feldene), etodolac (Lodine), etc.; or other HIV/AIDS medications such as didanosine (Vide

Viread side effects

Viread side effects include hives, fever, chills, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark-urine, clay-colored stools, muscle weakness, jaundice, dizziness, breathing trouble, slow or uneven heart rate, fatigue, constipation, increased thirst and frequency of urination, decreased amount of urination, body ache; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Viread, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, anxiety, skin rash, pain in muscles or joints, insomnia, diarrhea, depression, gas, bloating, and changes in shape or location of body fat are some less serious side effects of Viread.