Tenofovir is a medication used to treat the infections of people suffering with HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection. It is an antiviral medication that belongs to the category of medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. According to MedlinePlus, it reduces the spread of the HIV infection throughout the body. Typically, you will consume 300 mg of tenofovir daily.
Routine Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, tenofovir can commonly cause lack of strength, flatulence (gas) and weight loss. It can also cause indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting and a poor appetite, says MedlinePlus. In a double-blind comparative study of 299 patients receiving tenofovir, the National Library of Medicine says that 4 percent developed stomach problems, 11 percent experienced diarrhea and 5 percent developed vomiting. Notify your medical doctor if these symptoms do not disappear within 3 to 4 days.
Serious and Rare Side Effects
Drugs.com says that tenofovir can cause irregular breathing, pain in your stomach or muscles, nausea, drowsiness and extreme fatigue. It can also cause nausea and a discomforting feeling. In the same aforementioned study, the National Library of Medicine reports that 3 percent experienced muscle pain, 5 percent had joint pain, 8 percent experienced nausea and 7 percent had stomach pain. Contact your physician immediately when these symptoms occur and she can decrease your dosage or change your medication.
Other Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, suddenly discontinuing tenofovir can lead to worsening of your hepatitis. Typically, your doctor will monitor your liver enzymes to make sure they aren't extremely elevated. Elevated liver enzymes may be indicative of further liver destruction. Tenofovir can also lead to kidney damage, changes in the distribution of your fat, back pain, fever, depression, dizziness and peripheral neuropathy (condition where you experience numbness and tingling in your extremities). Other side effects include pneumonia, a skin rash, sinus infection, hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels), and osteomalacia (condition in which your bones become soft). Tenofovir can also lead to elevated lactic acid levels in your blood and hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver).
Special Concerns
Avoid tenofovir if you have an allergy to any of its main components. Irregular breathing, facial edema (puffiness), hives and swelling of your tongue and throat may occur.
Drugs.com recommends you tell your doctor whether you are currently taking lopinavir, ritonovir, atazanavir, didanosine or adefovir dipivoxil. These medications can interact with tenofovir and cause the aforementioned side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney, liver or bone disease. Tenofovir can potentially make these conditions worse, says Drugs.com.
Member Comments