Viread
(tenofovir)
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Also treats Hepatitis B Virus.
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.
- 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
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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
Download Fact SheetViread (tenofovir) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that prevents both HIV and hepatitis B virus from making copies of itself.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status:
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B
- HIV prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Powder
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$52.27
- Get free discount
$55.72
What to expect when you take Viread (tenofovir) for HIV treatment
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Pain
- Rash
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Side effect rates for Viread (tenofovir)
- Nausea9%9%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Viread.
People taking Viread felt side effect more
People taking Viread felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Viread (tenofovir)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- 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.
Common concerns from people taking Viread (tenofovir)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Taken only once daily, with or without food.
- 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.