Viread (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

Do’s

• Before starting Viread, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Take Viread by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• The dosage is determined based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
• Adhere to the prescribed dosage and continue taking Viread exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• For optimal effectiveness, take Viread at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take the medication at the same time every day.

Don’ts

• Do not skip any doses, increase the dosage, take the drug more frequently than prescribed, or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. Skipping or altering the dosage without approval from your healthcare provider may lead to an increase in the amount of virus, make the infection more challenging to treat (resistant), or exacerbate side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Depressed mood
• Itching
• Pruritus
• Rash event (including rash, pruritus, maculopapular rash, urticaria, vesiculobullous rash, pustular rash, exfoliative rash, generalized rash, macular rash, pruritic rash, vesicular rash)
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine
• On-treatment ALT or hepatic flares in patients with chronic HBV
• Death due to progression of liver disease in patients with chronic HBV and decompensated liver disease
• Kidney problems 

Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of the potential side effects of Viread. Additionally, individuals should seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms while taking this medication.

The use of Viread may interact with other drugs. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing a diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients infected with HBV and have discontinued Viread. Patients are advised not to discontinue Viread without first informing their healthcare provider. All patients should be tested for HBV infection before or when starting Viread, and those infected with HBV need close medical follow-up for several months after stopping Viread to monitor for exacerbations of hepatitis. 

Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome, has been reported in association with the use of Viread. Patients are advised to avoid Viread with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent, and the dosing interval of Viread may need adjustment in HIV-1 infected patients with renal impairment.

Consult a healthcare provider regarding the use of Viread during pregnancy, nursing, and its administration to children or the elderly.

The information provided here is not exhaustive, and individuals should consult their healthcare provider for comprehensive guidance on the warnings and precautions associated with Viread.