Viread

(tenofovir)

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Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Also treats Hepatitis B Virus.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Viread (tenofovir) is a first-line choice to be used in combination with other medications to treat HIV. Viread (tenofovir) is also a first-line choice in treating HBV.

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    $1221.65
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Quick facts about Viread
  • Drug class: Infection
  • Rx status:
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Upsides

  • Can be used with other medications to prevent HIV infection after an exposure.
  • Taken only once daily, with or without food.
  • There are newer formulations of Viread (tenofovir) available that are safer on your kidneys.
  • If tablets are hard for you to swallow, Viread (tenofovir) is available in a powder that's mixed with soft foods.
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What to expect from Viread, on one page

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Downsides

  • Viread (tenofovir) can't be used on its own to treat HIV infection.
  • Not recommended for patients with kidney damage.
  • Can weaken your bones.
  • Might worsen hepatitis B infections if you suddenly stop taking it.
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What to expect from Viread, on one page

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How it works

Viread (tenofovir) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that prevents both HIV and hepatitis B virus from making copies of itself.

Quick facts about Viread
  • Drug class: Infection
  • Rx status:
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Powder
Tried Viread? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Viread (tenofovir) for HIV treatment

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  • First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
    Long term
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
    Long term
  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Pain
  • Rash
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
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Side effect rates for Viread (tenofovir)

From 641 clinical trials of Viread when taken for hbv treatment with compensated liver disease
  • Nausea
    9%9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Viread.

Viread (tenofovir)
Placebo

People taking Viread felt side effect more

People taking Viread felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Viread (tenofovir)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Liver disease
    • › Women
    • › Obesity

    Viread (tenofovir) can cause this rare but life-threatening condition. Symptoms include deep and rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. This is a medical emergency and you should get help right away.

    This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Common concerns from people taking Viread (tenofovir)

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Food
  • Taken only once daily, with or without food.
Kidneys and liver
  • Viread (tenofovir) is not yet approved for treating Hepatitis B. If you have hepatitis B and HIV, don't stop taking Viread (tenofovir) without talking to your doctor since your hepatitis can get worse. Your doctor will check your liver regularly.
  • People on Viread (tenofovir) have reported kidney damage, which can be made worse if you take high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs (Motrin/Advil, Aleve, Mobic, Voltaren, etc.). Call your doctor if you develop bone pain, pain in your arms or legs, or pain and weakness in your muscles.
  • There are newer formulations of Viread (tenofovir) available that are safer on your kidneys.
  • Not recommended for patients with kidney damage.