Tenof

Tenof 300 mg is an antiviral medication indicated along with other anti-retroviral agents for HIV-1 infection in adults and children over 2 years of age. Additionally, it is used in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in similar population groups. Tenof 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) acts by hindering the multiplication (replication) of the virus in human cells.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is not used to cure HIV-1 infection but only to cut the HIV load in the body. This allows for the prevention of some problems associated with HIV-1 infection and improves the life span.

Tenof tablet is administered orally in patients (adults and children over 2 years of age) weighing at least 35 kg. For both HIV-1 and HBV infections, the dosage of the 300 mg tablet remains the same.

Important measures while taking Tenof 300 mg:

• •  The drug should be used once daily and at the same time every day

• •  It can be taken with or without food (best consumed with food)

• •  At any cost, do not miss the dose as it lowers the amount of medicine in the blood, leading to decreased effectiveness and increased chances of the virus becoming resistant to (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

Note: Creatinine clearance test (CrCl): Used for checking the functioning of the kidneys

Precautions and warnings associated with (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate):

Initial testing before administering the drug:

HIV testing: It is important to test all HBV-infected patients with HIV antibody testing before initiating tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Other warnings:

Newly developed or worsening conditions of the kidney: The conditions may include acute renal failure (kidney failure) and Fanconi syndrome (excessive amounts of biomolecules e.g. glucose, excreted via urine). Avoid the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate if such patients are taking nephrotoxic drugs.

Inapparent changes in the immune system (immune reconstitution syndrome): This might occur in HIV-1-infected patients once they consume other HIV medications.

Problems in the bones: It can happen in children and sometimes in adults with symptoms like bone pain, softening of bones, or thinning of bones. These events may lead to fractures in some scenarios, so bones should be checked regularly.

Excessive amount of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis): It is a rare medical emergency with the occurrence of symptoms like unusual weakness and pain in the muscles, slow or fast breathing, stomach pain with vomiting/nausea, cold hands and feet, dizziness, or abnormal heartbeats. If such symptoms are seen, the respective doctor should be immediately consulted.

Severe complications in the liver: Even though it is rare, it may lead to the death of patients. Look for symptoms like yellow-colored eyes, dark colored urine, loss of appetite, nausea, or pain in the abdomen. If found, immediately refer to the respective doctor.

Side effects of the Tenof 300 mg tablet:

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has a reasonable safety profile with a low occurrence of side effects. In both HIV-infected adults and children, side effects were,

• •  Rashes on the skin

• •  Diarrhea

• •  Nausea

• •  Depression

• •  Weakness

However, in HBV patients, the occurrence of side effects was dependent on the type of HBV infection.

Note: These are not all the side effects of the Tenof tablet. Consult your doctor for medical advice regarding the side effects.