Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) is a prescription antiviral medication. It is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, tenofovir, inside the body. TDF belongs to a class of drugs called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs).

Tenofovir works by inhibiting a crucial viral enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This enzyme is essential for the viruses to replicate and multiply. By blocking this enzyme, tenofovir prevents the viruses from creating new copies of themselves, thereby controlling the infection and reducing the viral load in the body.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is approved for the treatment of:

• HIV-1 Infection: It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications as part of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen to manage HIV infection in adults and children. It helps to reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and can help prevent or reverse damage to the immune system.

   
   

   

• Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) Infection: It is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B, as it is effective against the virus and can help reduce liver damage.

   

   

It is important to note that tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or hepatitis B. It helps to manage the conditions but does not eliminate the viruses from the body.

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is available in various tablet strengths, including 150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, and 300 mg. The standard dose is typically 300 mg once a day. The tablet can be taken with or without food, though taking it with a meal may help if it causes stomach upset. It is crucial to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not to skip doses, as this can lead to the virus developing resistance to the drug.

Common side effects of TDF are often mild and may include:

• Nausea and vomiting

   

   

• Diarrhea

   

   

• Headache

   

   

• Dizziness

   

   

• Weakness or fatigue

   

   

• Rash

   

   

While generally well-tolerated, TDF can cause serious side effects, and patients should be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider.

• Kidney Problems: TDF can cause kidney damage, so patients with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors need to be monitored closely. Regular blood tests are necessary to check kidney function.