Has your doctor prescribed you or someone close to you a medicine called Tenofovir to treat HIV or Hepatitis B? If so, it's important to be fully informed about this medicine. Don't worry, we'll talk about what it's for, how to use it, and what you need to be aware of.
What is Tenofovir?
Simply put, Tenofovir is a drug that belongs to the antiretroviral class. It is mainly used to treat two diseases:
1. HIV infection: This is given in combination with other medications to control the HIV virus in the body.
2. Hepatitis B infection: This medicine is also used to control this virus that affects the liver.
It is important to remember that this medicine does not cure HIV or hepatitis B. Instead, it controls the amount of virus in the body and reduces the damage it causes. Also, using this medicine does not completely eliminate the risk of infecting others, but it does significantly reduce it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking this medication, be sure to discuss these points with your doctor. These are very important for your safety.
- Other medical conditions you have: If you have any other medical conditions like these, be sure to tell us about them.
- Bone-related issues (e.g., osteoporosis)
- Any kidney disease
- Any liver disease
- Allergic reactions: If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Tenofovir or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Other habits: If you drink alcohol, tell us about it too.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to inform your doctor.
How should I use this medicine?
The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as your doctor advises you.
- This pill should be swallowed by mouth with a glass of water.
- You can take it at any time, before or after meals. However, getting into the habit of taking it at the same time every day will maximize the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Do not take more medicine than the doctor prescribed.
- Most importantly: Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine or skip doses without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause the virus to become resistant to the medicine. This is very dangerous.
What if you give it to small children?
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 2 years of age. However, it requires special precautions. So if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it carefully.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't panic. Go to the nearest hospital's ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines), as some medications may interact with this one.
| Type of medicine | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine together. | |
| Adefovir | Another medicine for hepatitis B. |
| Some combination medications for HIV or AIDS | Since these already contain tenofovir, taking two together can result in an overdose. (e.g. emtricitabine; tenofovir, rilpivirine; tenofovir) |
| Problems can occur with this medication too - ask the doctor | |
| Other HIV medications | atazanavir, didanosine (ddI), lopinavir; ritonavir, saquinavir |
| Other antivirals | cidofovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir |
| Medications for hepatitis C | ledipasvir; sofosbuvir |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: It is important to see your doctor at regular intervals while taking this medication. You may also need to have blood tests to check your kidney and liver function.
- Bone health: There may be a risk of low bone mass when taking this medication for a long time. So talk to your doctor about your bone health.
- Preventing the spread of the disease: Both HIV and hepatitis B are transmitted through sexual contact or blood. Talk openly with your doctor about safe ways to prevent the spread of the disease.
If you are taking this medicine for hepatitis B, do not stop taking it for any reason without your doctor's advice. If you do, your hepatitis B symptoms may suddenly get worse.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
As with any medication, some people may experience side effects. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing, dizziness | Difficulty breathing, dizziness. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Change in the frequency or amount of urination, difficulty urinating. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, extreme fatigue. |
| Other serious symptoms | Bone pain, muscle pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting. |
| If these persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, fatigue, cough. |
Take-Home Message
- Tenofovir is a medicine that controls HIV and hepatitis B, but it is not a cure.
- You should never stop taking your medication or skip doses without your doctor's advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have.
- If you notice any symptoms that suggest kidney or liver problems (such as changes in the amount of urine, yellowing of the eyes), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are being treated for hepatitis B, keep in mind that stopping the medication may worsen the disease.
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