Tenofovir (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to tenofovir.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Tenofovir is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
Oral powder :
- Measure the oral powder with the dosing scoop that comes with the package.
- Mix the oral powder with 2 to 4 ounces of soft food (such as applesauce, baby food, yogurt).
- Swallow this mixture right away. You are less likely to have a bitter taste if you take it as soon as it is mixed.
- Do not mix the oral powder with a liquid. The powder will not mix correctly and will float on top.
- Do not store the scoop inside the package with the powder.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Keep the medicine in the original bottle that you were given at the pharmacy.

Some foods and medicines can affect how tenofovir works. Tell your doctor if you are using adefovir, acyclovir, atazanavir, cidofovir, darunavir, ritonavir, didanosine, ganciclovir, lopinavir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, an antibiotic, or an NSAID pain medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or bone problems (such as osteoporosis).
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Lactic acidosis
- Severe liver problems
- Worsening of hepatitis B infection, when treatment is stopped
- Kidney problems
- Lower bone mineral density
Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking this medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bone, muscle, or joint pain
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion

Last Updated: 1/27/2017