Viread

(tenofovir)

Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Lowest price near you
  • Price before coupon
    $1211.73
  • Lowest price with coupon
    $21.95
    98% savings
Find instant savings
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.
Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Viread, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
Tried Viread? Write a review!

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.
Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Viread, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
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

Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Prices and coupons for 30 (300mg) tablets of tenofovir near
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
See more prices and coupons in your area

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

Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.
  • 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
Skip side effects section. Skip to risks and warnings section.

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)

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.

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

Common concerns from people taking Viread (tenofovir)

Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?
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.