TENOFOVIR ALAFENAMIDE
Background and Date of Approval
Tenofovir alafenamide is an antiviral medication approved for medical use on 10 November 2016.
Uses
Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet has been developed to treat chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults with compensated liver disease.
How is it administered?
Tenofovir Alafenamide is available as a 25mg tablet. It is indicated once daily with food.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet are headache, stomach pain, cough, back pain, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, vomiting, rash and flatulence. If you experience any symptoms like unusual weakness, muscle pain, cold hands and feet, yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite and light-coloured stools, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, loss of appetite or allergic reactions. Tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended alone to treat HIV infection because of increased possibility for treatment resistance. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for the presence of HIV infection, liver disorder and kidney problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been diagnosed with problems in your heart, kidneys, liver or lungs.
Precautions
Tenofovir Alafenamide is probably unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine without your doctor's recommendation. Tell your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby.
Word of Advice
Tenofovir Alafenamide may cause dizziness in some individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid driving or operating machinery while undergoing treatment. Inform your healthcare provider before using this medicine if you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance.
References
Gilead Sciences, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Sep 2021] [Accessed on 24th Aug 2022], https://www.gilead.com/~/media/files/pdfs/medicines/liver-disease/vemlidy/vemlidy_pi.pdf?la=en Jennifer J. Kiser and Charles W. Flexner, Goodman & Gilmanâs Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (HBV/HCV), 13th Edition, 2018, 1119-1135.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you know before taking Tenofovir Alafenamide tablet?
Before taking Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet, you will be tested for HIV infection as this tablet should not be used alone to treat HIV.
Is it safe for women with reproductive potential to use Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet?
Tenofovir Alafenamide is probably unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine without your doctor's recommendation. Tell your health care provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby.
Who should not take Tenofovir Alafenamide tablet?
Tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended in patients with estimated creatinine clearance below 15ml per minute who are not receiving hemodialysis treatment. This medicine is also not recommended in patients with decompensated liver disease.
What are the common side effects of Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet?
Headache, stomach pain, cough, back pain, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, vomiting, rash and flatulence are some of the most common side effects associated with Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet treatment.
When should you contact your doctor?
Report to your doctor right away if you experience symptoms like breathlessness, yellowing of eyes and skin, unusual weakness, muscle pain, loss of appetite and light-coloured stools.
What should you not take with Tenofovir Alafenamide?
Do not take painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, gentamicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, etc. during this treatment as these medications reduce the absorption of Tenofovir Alafenamide. Tell your physician before starting this treatment if you are taking any of the above drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or herbal supplements.
How to store Tenofovir Alafenamide tablets?
Store Tenofovir Alafenamide below 30°C in a tightly closed container and keep them away from the reach of children.