tenofovir disoproxil succinate at a glance
Medicine class
Nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitor antiviral
Main licensed uses
HIV-1 as part of combination treatment, and chronic hepatitis B
Taking the tablet
Swallow by mouth with food
Important monitoring
Kidney function and blood phosphate require monitoring
What is tenofovir disoproxil succinate used for?
This product is licensed for:
HIV-1 infection in adults, with other antiretroviral medicines.
HIV-1 infection in eligible adolescents where resistance or toxicity prevents use of first-line agents.
Chronic hepatitis B in adults with specified active, resistant or decompensated disease.
Chronic hepatitis B in eligible adolescents with compensated, immune-active disease.
How does tenofovir disoproxil succinate work?
The body converts tenofovir disoproxil into tenofovir diphosphate. This competes with natural building blocks used by HIV reverse transcriptase and hepatitis B polymerase, stopping viral DNA-chain formation and reducing viral replication.
tenofovir disoproxil succinate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 245 mg
How to take tenofovir disoproxil succinate
Take the film-coated tablet by mouth with food, which improves absorption, and swallow it with water. Do not stop hepatitis B treatment without specialist advice because hepatitis can flare.
Keep the desiccant in the bottle and do not swallow it.
Tell the specialist team if swallowing the tablet is difficult.
Check before starting prescription, non-prescription or herbal products.
tenofovir disoproxil succinate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or headache
- Rash
- Abdominal pain, bloating or wind
- Weakness or tiredness
- Reduced blood phosphate or bone mineral density
Get urgent medical advice
- Kidney impairment, kidney failure or proximal renal tubulopathy
- Osteomalacia, sometimes presenting with persistent bone pain or fractures
- Lactic acidosis
- Pancreatitis
- Angioedema
- Severe hepatitis flare, particularly after stopping hepatitis B treatment
tenofovir disoproxil succinate in pregnancy
Available pregnancy data have not shown an increased pattern of malformations or fetal or newborn toxicity. Use may be considered when needed. Discuss pregnancy, conception plans and treatment changes with the HIV, hepatitis or maternity team; do not stop treatment independently.
tenofovir disoproxil succinate while breastfeeding
For hepatitis B, breastfeeding may be possible when the baby has received appropriate prevention at birth; transfer of tenofovir into milk is very low. HIV can still be transmitted through breast milk even with effective treatment, so feeding decisions require specialist HIV and maternity support.
tenofovir disoproxil succinate interactions
Important examples include:
Other products containing tenofovir disoproxil or tenofovir alafenamide
Avoid duplication because exposure and toxicity may increase.
Adefovir dipivoxil
Should not be used concurrently with tenofovir disoproxil.
Didanosine
Tenofovir increases didanosine exposure and toxicity risk; co-administration is not recommended.
Common questions about tenofovir disoproxil succinate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can tenofovir disoproxil succinate cure HIV?
No. It suppresses HIV replication and must be used with other antiretroviral medicines; it does not eradicate the infection.
Can tenofovir disoproxil succinate cure hepatitis B?
It can strongly suppress hepatitis B virus but does not reliably eliminate it, so ongoing specialist review is needed.
Why must tenofovir disoproxil succinate be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.