> Western medicines > Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Chinese name:

富馬酸替諾福韋二吡呋酯

Medically reviewed by

Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last Updated: 2022-05-10

What is Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for?

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) belongs to a class of medication called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus from multiplying in your body. It is used to treat HIV infection and hepatitis B infection. HIV is the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

TDF is not a cure for HIV infection or AIDS, however, it reduces the amount of HIV in your body so that your immune system works better.

How to use it?

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is available as a tablet, which should be taken with food.

HIV infection (Used in combination with other antiretroviral)
Adult
300 mg once daily.
Child 2-17 years
10 kg and over: 8 mg per kg body weight once daily.

Chronic hepatitis B
Adult
300 mg once daily.
Child 2-17 years
10 kg and over: 8 mg per kg body weight once daily. Maximum dosage is 300 mg daily.

What are the side effects of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?

Common side effects of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache, weakness, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, depression and difficulty sleeping.

Who should not take Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?

People allergic to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate or any component of the formulation

Pharmacist Tips:

This medication can make you dizzy. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to TDF.
Continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor to limit the risk of transferring HIV to others.
Use an effective barrier method, such as condoms or dental dams, during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV.
Do not share personal items that may have contacted blood or other body fluids, such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes and razors.

Common dosing schedule:

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is taken once daily. Take it with/after the same meal each day.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may interact with:

Antibiotics, e.g. Vancomycin, Amphotericin B
Antivirals, e.g. Atazanavir, Cidofovir, Foscarnet, Didanosine

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Fumarate in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.

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