Tenofovir Alafenamide
About
Tenofovir Alafenamide belongs to the group of medicines known as ‘antiviral medicines used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults with compensated liver disease. Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Tenofovir Alafenamide contains ‘Tenofovir alafenamide’. It inhibits HBV replication by incorporating the HBV reverse transcriptase into viral DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination. Thereby, it prevents the virus from producing new viruses and clears the infection.
Take Tenofovir Alafenamide as prescribed by your doctor. Therapy should be initiated by a physician experienced in managing chronic hepatitis B. You may sometimes experience headaches, diarrhoea, vomiting, feeling sick (nausea), and rash. Most of these side effects of Tenofovir Alafenamide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
You should not take Tenofovir Alafenamide if you are allergic to Tenofovir Alafenamide or any other contents present in it. Avoid taking Tenofovir Alafenamide if you have or had a history of severe kidney or liver impairment. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects. You are recommended to avoid driving while using Tenofovir Alafenamide as it may cause dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or use machines. Should not use Tenofovir Alafenamide for children less than 12 years of age. Patients should take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.
Uses of Tenofovir Alafenamide
Medicinal Benefits
Tenofovir Alafenamide ‘tenofovir alafenamide’, an antiviral drug used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults with compensated liver disease. It inhibits HBV replication by incorporating the HBV reverse transcriptase into viral DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination. Thereby it prevents the virus from producing new viruses and cleans up your infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tenofovir Alafenamide
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Joint pain
- Feeling bloated
- Wind (flatulence)
- Feeling tired
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
You should not take Tenofovir Alafenamide if you are allergic to Tenofovir Alafenamide or any other contents present in it. Avoid taking Tenofovir Alafenamide if you have or had a history of severe kidney or liver impairment. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects. You should not drive while using Tenofovir Alafenamide as Tenofovir Alafenamide may cause dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or use machines. Tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended for children less than 12 years of age. Patients should take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tenofovir Alafenamide may interact with an antibiotic (e.g. tobramycin, pentamidine, vancomycin), antifungal medicines (e.g. amphotericin B), antiviral disease (e.g. foscarnet, ganciclovir), medications used to treat hepatitis B virus (e.g. adefovir), pain killer (e.g. ibuprofen). The relevance of a particular drug interaction varies from person to person.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol while using Tenofovir Alafenamide may worsen the condition.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tenofovir Alafenamide should not be used in patients with bone disease or severe liver or kidney diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol while using Tenofovir Alafenamide may worsen the condition.
Pregnancy
cautionTenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended during pregnancy. However, your doctor may prescribe it for you during pregnancy if he/she feels that the benefit to you outweighs the risk. You should not take Tenofovir Alafenamide without the doctor's advice.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor, and there is no substantial research yet on the use of Tenofovir Alafenamide in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionTenofovir Alafenamide can cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy when taking Tenofovir Alafenamide, do not drive and use any tools or machines.
Liver
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Tenofovir Alafenamide if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing them to you.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Tenofovir Alafenamide if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing them to you.
Children
unsafeShould not use Tenofovir Alafenamide in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Opt for lean meat such as skinless chicken and fish.
- Limit processed and high-sugar foods.
- Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons, and oranges.
- Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
- Exercise regularly as it promotes both physical and mental health.
- Take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection to other people.
Special Advise
- If you take Tenofovir Alafenamide, your doctor may regularly monitor liver function, kidney function, and bone density.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is highly contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads by intimate contact with an infected individual, direct contact with infected blood, use of a contaminated needle, use of an infected razor/other personal objects, or transmission from mother to baby during birth. The virus can survive outside the body for up to 7 days. Chronic hepatitis B develops slowly, and symptoms may not be obvious until complications arise. Hepatitis B symptoms might occur three months after being exposed to the infection and can continue for two to twelve weeks. Chronic hepatitis B consequences include liver failure, liver cancer, and liver cirrhosis (scarring). Hepatitis B can be prevented by taking the vaccination.
FAQs
Tenofovir Alafenamide contains ‘tenofovir alfenamide’. It inhibits HBV replication by merging into viral DNA via HBV reverse transcriptase, resulting in the termination of the DNA chain. This prevents the virus from producing new viruses and cleans up your infection.
No, Tenofovir Alafenamide is a prescribed medication given by a physician for treating HBV infection or Chronic hepatitis B. It is recommended not to take it on your own.
Tenofovir Alafenamide should be taken in the dose and for the duration prescribed by your doctor based on your medical condition.
The main symptoms include yellowing of eyes and skin, flu-like symptoms, pale stools and dark-coloured urine.
A blood test (HBsAg blood test) can be used to determine if you have hepatitis B or have ever had it.
