Teravir

Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) belongs to the class of anti-viral medications specified against HIV-1 and Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections. Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is used in both adults and children over 2 years of age.

Even though the dosage of Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) in HIV and HBV infection is similar to each other. Yet, it is specifically recommended in patients with ≥35 kgs of body weight irrespective of the population groups. Once swallowed, Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) takes around 1 hour to completely absorb in the system and nearly 17 hours to eliminate at least 50% of the drug.

Note: Test all HBV infected patients with HIV antibody testing before initiating Teravir 300 mg (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate).

Advantages of Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate):

• Prevents the multiplication (preventing DNA replication) of HIV and HBV in our system
• Controls the infection and increases the immune power
• Lowers the incidence of newer infections
• Improves overall quality of life of the patients

General warnings of Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate):

• Prescribed along with other anti-retroviral medicines
• Not used for curing HIV and HBV infections
• Take it once orally at the same time everyday
• Can be taken with or without food
• Do not miss the dose (Lowers the effectiveness and increases viral resistance)

Side-effects of Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate):

In both HIV-infected adults and children, the side-effects were,

• Rashes on skin
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Depression
• Weakness (Asthenia)

In advanced HBV infections (compensated and decompensated liver disease), the side-effects were,

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Itching (Pruritis)
• Nausea
• Fever
• Difficulty in sleeping (Insomnia)
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

Side-effects due to severe liver complications,

• Yellow-colored eyes
• Dark colored urine
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pain in the abdomen

Note: These are not all side-effects of Teravir 300 mg (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). Consult your doctor for medical advice regarding the side-effects.

When should Teravir 300 mg (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) be avoided or used cautiously?

• If patients are taking medications for acute kidney failure and Fanconi syndrome (excessive amounts of biomolecules e.g. glucose excreted from urine)
• If patients are seen with symptoms like pain in the bones, soft or thin bones leading into fractures
• If patients have symptoms like unusual weakness and pain in the muscles, slow or fast breathing, stomach pain with vomiting/nausea, cold hands and feet, dizziness, or abnormal heartbeats, it may lead to lactic acidosis (an excessive amount of lactic acid in the blood)
• If patients are seen with changes in the immune system due to the consumption of other HIV drugs