Tenofovir Disoproxil
Tenofovir disoproxil is an antiviral used to treat HIV-1 infection and, separately, chronic hepatitis B. This catalogue lists it in five tablets, including Tenvir-EM, Viraday and Viropil, and 2 more.
Key points
- Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor that decreases the amount of HIV and hepatitis B virus in the blood.
- Before starting treatment, the label calls for HIV antibody testing to be offered to anyone with hepatitis B virus infection.
- Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome, has been reported with tenofovir disoproxil.
- Tenvir is the only product here with tenofovir disoproxil as its sole active ingredient, at a 300 mg strength.
What Tenofovir Disoproxil is used for
For HIV-1 infection, the label requires tenofovir disoproxil to be combined with other antiretroviral medicines rather than used on its own. For Chronic Hepatitis B, it can be used by itself. One of the HIV-1 combinations, Tenvir-EM, is also listed for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, taken by people who do not have HIV to lower their risk before any exposure. In this catalogue, tenofovir disoproxil is grouped under HIV Management.
Hepatitis B and stopping treatment
If you have hepatitis B and stop taking tenofovir disoproxil or another anti-hepatitis B therapy, severe flare-ups have been reported. MedlinePlus states this in patient terms: your condition may suddenly worsen once you stop. Anyone who stops should be closely monitored, with clinical and laboratory follow-up, for at least several months afterwards. Resuming anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted, especially if you have advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, since a flare after stopping can lead to liver decompensation and liver failure.