What is Viread?
Viread is a medicine that stops the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B from multiplying within your body.Viread is used for the treatment of HIV. This virus can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This medication is not a cure or treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Viread can also be used to treat chronic hepatitis B infections.Viread can be used by adults and children who are at least 2 years of age and weigh at least 22 pounds (10 kg).
Warnings
Viread can cause hepatitis to become active or worsen if you already have it. For several months, you may require frequent liver function testing.Stopping treatment with Viread can lead to acute exacerbations if you've ever had hepatitis B. Your liver function will be monitored by frequent blood tests.
Viread should not be taken with Hepsera (adefovir) or combination medicines containing tenofovir, such as Atripla, Biktarvy (Complera), Descovy (Genvoya), Odefsey (Odefsey), Stribild (Symfi), Symfi (Truvada), Cim Duo (Complera), Complera (Complera), and Complera (Descovy).
Viread should not be used in patients with kidney disease.Tenofovir is used for HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B, and tenofovir alafenamide is only used in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Take this medication only if you have been prescribed it.
Viread should not be taken if you have an allergy to tenofovir.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Viread 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.
Lactic acidosis is a potentially dangerous accumulation of lactic acids in your blood. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.
Use all medications to control your infection while pregnant. You may have your name listed on a registry of antiviral pregnant women.Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV. Breast milk can transmit the virus to your child.
How to take Viread?
Follow all directions listed on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. It is also essential that all instructions listed on the prescription label be observed.Your doctor may test you to ensure that you don't have HIV or hepatitis B before you begin treatment with Viread.Take your medicine at the same time each day at approximately the same time of day. Doing this may help ensure a more consistent dose.Viread may be taken with food or without. Be sure to carefully read all the directions on the label of your medicine.
Viread oral powder can be mixed with foods that are soft and easy to swallow, like applesauce or yogurt. Oral powder should not be mixed with liquid.The dose of tenofovir is based on the weight of the child. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose needed may change.Medical tests will be required frequently.
Talk to your doctor before stopping Viread.
Read all the instructions and medication guides that you receive. Do not alter your dosage or schedule without consulting your doctor. Each person living with HIV should be under the care and supervision of a physician.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
Viread may cause your hepatitis B virus to become more active or worsen in the months following your last dose. You may require frequent liver function testing while taking this medication and for several weeks after you stop using it.
What happens if you miss a dose of the medication?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease.
This medicine does not stop the spread of your illness. Share razors and toothbrushes. Consult your doctor about how to avoid HIV transmission while sexing. It is not safe to share syringes or needles for drugs or medicines.
Side effects of Viread
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and/or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
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 your upper stomach, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, and dark urine. Jaundice: yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Viread may affect your immune system, even weeks or months after using this medication. You should tell your doctor if:
- Signs that a new infection is present: fever, sweats at night, swollen lymph glands, painful cold sores (cough, wheezing), diarrhea, and 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)
Viread 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, increasing 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.
