Tenofovir (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the information carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

It is important to take tenofovir as part of a combination regimen. Take all of the medicines your doctor prescribed at the right time of day. This will make your medicines work better.

Keep taking tenofovir for the full time of treatment, even if you or your child begin to feel better.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses.

When your tenofovir supply runs low, get more from your pharmacy or from your doctor. The amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped, even for a short time. The virus may develop resistance to tenofovir and be harder to treat. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

For patients who cannot swallow the tablets, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may want you to take the oral powder.

If you are using the oral powder:

• Measure the oral powder correctly using the dosing scoop that comes with the package. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Mix the oral powder with 2 to 4 ounces of soft food (e.g., applesauce, baby food, yogurt).
• After mixing, swallow it right away to avoid bitter taste.
• Do not mix the oral powder with any liquid.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (oral powder or tablets):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults—300 milligrams (mg) once a day.
    • Teenagers and children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 8 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For chronic hepatitis B infection:
    • Adults—300 milligrams (mg) once a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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