Description
Tenvir® is manufactured by Cipla. The raw material is Tenofovir – a synthetic guanosine nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).
Indications:
- HIV-1 infection in combination with other anti-retroviral drugs in people 2 years and older;
- HBV infection in people 12 years of age and older.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Tenofovir inhibits viral reverse transcriptase, a crucial enzyme in HIV and HBV, while showing limited inhibition of human enzymes. Tenofovir reduces the count of HIV in blood, increases the number of CD4 (T) cells in blood which aids in warding off other infections. Reducing the count of HIV and increasing the CD4 (T) cells count improves the immune system. This may lower the risk of death or infections that can happen when immune system is weak. Tenofovir isn't active against HIV-2.
Dosage
For adults and children 12 years of age and older: 300 mg tablet each day.
For adults with kidney problems, Tenvir® may be taken less often.
Adults and children 12 years of age and older who cannot swallow Tenvir® tablets are usually prescribed Tenofovir oral powder.
For children 2-12 years of age, the right dose of Tenofovir oral powder or tablets based on the child’s body weight will be prescribed.
Tell the doctor if the child has problems with swallowing tablets.
Precautions:
HIV and HBV can be transmitted through sexual contact with infected partner, blood (e.g., sharing needles, handling blood instruments, receiving blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants that were infected with HIV/HBV), childbirth, toiletries (razors and toothbrushes). Therefore, both infected and non-infected individuals are advised to have any kind of sex using a latex or polyurethane condom, avoid sharing needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors. It is important to discuss with doctor the precautions needed to avoid infecting other people as well as take precautions not to get infected.
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who have stopped using Tenvir®. Thus, people with HBV who are taking Tenvir® should be carefully controlled if they stop taking the drug.
Due to the risk of development of HIV-1 resistance, Tenvir® should only be used in HIV-1 and HBV coinfected patients as part of an appropriate anti-retroviral combination regimen. HIV-1 screening should be offered to all HBV-infected patients before initiating therapy with Tenvir®. It is also recommended that all patients with HIV-1 be tested for the presence of chronic hepatitis B before initiating treatment with Tenvir®.
Patient is advised not to share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
Women who are HIV- and HBV positive must not breastfeed because HIV and HBV infections can be passed on to the baby in breast milk.
Some people who take Tenvir® may experience:
- Lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood). The symptoms are unexpected tiredness or weakness, nausea or vomiting, constant abdominal pain, pancreatitis. If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Serious liver problems: hepatomegaly, steatosis. The symptoms of liver problems: jaundice, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Changes in body fat, bone problems including bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures).
- Immune Reconstitution Syndrome – a condition when immune system may get stronger and starts fighting infections that have been hidden in the body for a long time.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Tenvir® to compensate the missed dose.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, stop taking the medication immediately. You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store Tenvir® tablets or oral powder at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Keep Tenvir® in the original container. Do not use Tenvir® if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.
