The generically named tenofovir medication is sold in the United States with the brand name Viread. It is part of the treatment for human immunodeficiency viral, or HIV, infections, the Mayo Clinic reports. Viread also may be used in the treatment of HBV or hepatitis B viral infections that are chronic. The medicine works, along with other HIV drugs, to slow the reproduction of HIV cells. There is no cure for the HIV infection.
Weakness
As with many HIV and acquired immunodeficiency disease drugs, Viread can take a lot out of you. It can make you feel weak and fatigued. Because the infectious disease itself can make you feel weak in your body, the drug may amplify this condition. This weakness may make it difficult to move normally. It may slow down your walk or make it difficult to pick up small and large items. The Mayo Clinic reports this lack of strength as a temporary side effect of Viread that is not serious. In most people who take the drug, the effect will go away on its own in a few days. Tell your physician if you continue to feel weak from Viread for more than a week.
Skin Sensations
Viread also may cause a non-serious and temporary side effect that affects how you feel things on your skin, Drugs.com states. It may make your skin less sensitive than normal. It also may make you feel that things are touching you when they are not. You may experience different sensations than normal on your skin. Explain this problem to your doctor if it persists.
Nausea and Diarrhea
Taking the pill Viread commonly produces problems in your stomach and digestive system. Because it is changing the way the HIV is affecting your system, it can make you feel queasy and as if you may throw up. Indeed, vomiting also may occur. You also may have excess gas in your stomach and a feeling of indigestion. Diarrhea and its accompanying cramps also may occur in your system. Again, these are temporary side effects in most people, and they are classified as non-serious.
Weight Loss
Many of the drugs used for HIV/AIDS can make you lose weight. This may occur because of bodily changes. It also may occur because of another temporary, non-serious side effect which is a decrease in or loss of your appetite. With Viread, these problems should fix themselves in a few days.
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