What is Vemlidy?
Vemlidy, an antiviral medication prescribed by your doctor, prevents the hepatitis B viruses from multiplying within your body.
Vemlidy treats chronic hepatitis B in adults and children aged 12 and older who have stable (compensated liver disease).Vemlidy can lower your HBV levels and improve your liver condition.Vemlidy may be safe and effective for children younger than 12 years old.
Warnings
Vemlidy can cause hepatitis B to become active or worsen if you are already infected. For several months, you may require frequent liver function testing.Stopping treatment with Vemlidy can lead to acute exacerbations if you've ever had hepatitis B. Your liver function will be monitored by frequent blood tests.
Patients with end-stage renal disease should not take Vemlidy.Tenofovir disoproxil (Viread), a drug used to treat HIV-1 and chronic hepatitis B, is also used for chronic hepatitis B.
Before you take this drug
Vemlidy should not be taken if you have an allergy to tenofovir.
Vemlidy should not be taken with Hepsera (adefovir) or combination medicines containing tenofovir, such as Atripla, Biktarvy (Complera), Descovy (Genvoya), Odefsey (Genvoya), Stribild (Symfi), Symfi (Truvada), or Complera (Compliera).
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Vemlidy will be safe for you:
- Liver disease (especially hepatitis B, if you have HIV).
- HIV (if you take tenofovir for hepatitis B).
- Kidney disease
- Low bone mineral density.
You could develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous accumulation of lactic acids in your blood. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.
Use your medication properly to treat your infection.
Vemlidy can cause problems with breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
Similar/related drugs
Tenofovir, Entcavir, Lamivudine, Viread, and Pegasys
How to take Vemlidy?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions sheets. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.Your doctor may test you for HIV before you begin treatment with Vemlidy (if you're being treated for Hepatitis B).
Take Vemlidy at the same time every day. Vemlidy can be taken with food.Vemlidy is a must-have.Vemlidy should not be stopped or changed without consulting your doctor. Take this medication under the care of a doctor.Vemlidy is a daily supplement that you can take after dialysis if you're on dialysis.
Vemlidy can make hepatitis B worse or return if you have it. You may require liver function tests during treatment and for several months following.Store tightly closed, at room temperature, and away from moisture or heat.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for chronic hepatitis B:
Tenofovir Alafenamide 25 mg once daily orally
Use: To treat chronic HBV in adults with compensated hepatic disease.
The usual pediatric dose for chronic hepatitis B
Tenofovir Alafenamide 25 mg once daily orally
Use: To treat chronic hepatitis B infection in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older who have compensated liver disease.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due to take the next dose, skip it.
If your Vemlidy runs out, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more. It is important to continue taking the medicine, as your HBV infection could worsen (flare up) if you do not.
What happens if I overdose?
Call your doctor or the nearest emergency room if you have taken too much Vemlidy.
Avoid this
Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease.Vemlidy does not protect you from spreading hepatitis B.
Side effects of Vemlidy
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact emergency medical assistance.
Over time, mild symptoms of lactic acidosis can worsen. This condition is fatal. If you experience: abnormal muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach discomfort, nausea, fast or slow heartbeats, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, feeling cold, or being very tired, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Sore neck; flu symptoms; easy bruises; or unusual bleeding.
- Kidney disease: little or no urine; painful or difficult urination; swelling of the feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.
- Liver problem: swelling in the midsection area, pain around the upper stomach, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, and dark urine. Jaundice: yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Tenofovir may affect your immune system, even weeks or months after using this medication. Tell your doctor about:
- Signs that a new infection is present: fever, sweating at night, swollen lymph nodes, cold sores; coughing and wheezing; diarrhea; loss of weight.
- If you have difficulty speaking or swallowing, have problems with balance, eye movements, or weakness, or feel prickly, then it could be a sign of a problem.
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Vemlidy may cause side effects such as:
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea;
- Fever, pain;
- Weakness, dizziness;
- Headache;
- Depressed mood
- Itching, rash
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, causing side effects or making them less effective.
Tenofovir may harm your kidneys if you are also taking certain medications for cancer, infection, osteoporosis, or organ rejection. It can also be harmful if you have high blood pressure or take pain relievers for arthritis medicines (such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Tenofovir can interact with many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking.
