Tenofovir alafenamide is used to treat chronic hepatitis
B infection, a viral infection of the liver. It works by stopping or
slowing the growth of the virus. Chronic hepatitis infection can lead to
serious liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.
It is not known if tenofovir alafenamide can cure
hepatitis B or can prevent you from passing the virus to others. Practice
"safer sex" (such as the use of latex condoms) to lower the risk of passing
the virus to others.
Before starting treatment with this medication, your
doctor should test you for HIV infection. If you have HIV infection along
with hepatitis B infection, tenofovir alafenamide should not be used alone
since this may make it harder to treat your HIV infection. Combination drug
treatment should always be used to treat HIV infection.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking tenofovir alafenamide, and each
time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by
your doctor, usually once daily.
If you are on dialysis, on your dialysis days, take your
daily dose of this medication following dialysis.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
For the best effect, take this medication at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time
every day.
If you vomit within 1 hour after taking a dose, take
another dose of this medication. If vomiting occurs more than 1 hour after
taking your dose, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at the
regular time.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or
stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your
doctor. Doing so may make the infection worse or harder to treat
(resistant), or worsen side effects.
Headache, nausea, tiredness, or cough may occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety,
confusion)
- signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of
urine)
- unusual thirst
Rarely, this medication can cause severe (sometimes
fatal) liver and blood problems (lactic acidosis). Tell your doctor right
away if you develop symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting
that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing
eyes/skin, dark urine) or lactic acidosis (such as deep/rapid breathing,
drowsiness, nausea/vomiting, unusual weakness).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking tenofovir alafenamide, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney problems
- HIV infection
- other liver problems (such as hepatitis C, cirrhosis)
- bone problems (such as bone disease, bone loss/osteoporosis,
weak/broken bones)
- disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely
to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- adefovir
- orlistat
- other drugs that may harm the kidneys (including
aminoglycosides such as amikacin/gentamicin)
Do not take this medication with other products that
contain tenofovir.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function,
urine glucose/protein, hepatitis B virus levels, blood mineral levels, bone
density tests) should be done before you start taking this medication and
while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult
your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is more than 18 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original container at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.