Uses of Tenofovir Alafenamide

Tenofovir Alafenamide is used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection in adolescents and adults (aged 12 years and older).  

Therapeutic Category

Tenofovir Alafenamide: Anti-viral drugs (Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs))   

How Tenofovir Alafenamide works

Tenofovir Alafenamide works by inhibiting an enzyme (viral polymerase), causing chain termination, which in turn, inhibits DNA synthesis and viral replication, thereby preventing the virus to produce new viruses and stops the infection from spreading.

Common side effects of Tenofovir Alafenamide

• headache, dizziness
• diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, feeling bloated, flatulence
• joint pain
• rash, itching
• tiredness

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience new onset or worsening of kidney impairment
• If you experience lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood) (signs include weakness or tiredness than usual, unusual muscle pain, shortness of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, fast or abnormal heartbeat, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or light-headedness)
• If you experience signs of severe liver problems (such as yellowing of skin or white of the eyes, dark tea-colored urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain or nausea)

Health Tips for Tenofovir Alafenamide

• Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support your overall health and well-being. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption and smoking, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications and impact your overall health
• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the recommended dosage and dosing schedule to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your viral infection
• Do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your doctor. If you stop taking this medication abruptly, your infection may worsen