Tenofovir – Uses, Safety, Dosage, and Key Insights

When working with Tenofovir, a nucleotide reverse‑transcriptase inhibitor used to treat HIV and chronic hepatitis B infections. Also known as TDF or TAF, it blocks viral DNA synthesis and forms a core part of modern antiretroviral regimens, you’ll quickly see why it matters for millions of patients worldwide. Tenofovir is a cornerstone of combination therapy, helping keep viral loads low and disease progression in check.

One of the major related concepts is Antiretroviral therapy, the coordinated use of multiple drugs to suppress HIV replication. Tenofovir’s low barrier to resistance makes it a reliable backbone drug in these combos, often paired with agents like emtricitabine or dolutegravir. Another linked entity is Hepatitis B, a chronic liver infection that tenofovir can also control effectively. The same mechanism that halts HIV also reduces HBV DNA levels, offering a dual‑benefit for co‑infected patients.

Key Points About Tenofovir

Tenofovir comes in two pro‑drug forms: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). TDF was the first version and is known for higher plasma concentrations, while TAF delivers the active drug more directly to cells, lowering systemic exposure. This distinction matters for kidney function, as TDF has been associated with declines in creatinine clearance, especially in patients with pre‑existing renal issues. Consequently, kidney function influences tenofovir dosing, and clinicians often check eGFR before prescribing or adjusting the dose.

Drug interactions also shape tenofovir’s performance. Co‑administration with agents that affect renal tubular transport—like certain NSAIDs or probenecid—can raise tenofovir levels and increase toxicity risk. Conversely, some boosters such as cobicistat do not affect tenofovir’s clearance, making TAF a safer choice for patients on complex regimens. Understanding these relationships helps avoid adverse events and keeps therapy effective.

Safety extends beyond kidneys. Bone mineral density can drop with long‑term TDF use, a concern for older adults or those with osteoporosis risk. TAF’s reduced systemic exposure mitigates this effect, which is why many newer guidelines prefer TAF for patients with bone health concerns. Still, monitoring calcium, vitamin D, and lifestyle factors remains essential regardless of the formulation.

Beyond the pharmacology, the tag page gathers a diverse set of articles that touch on tenofovir’s context. You’ll find practical guides on tapering other medications, dealing with side effects of various drugs, and managing conditions like diabetes in pregnancy or bipolar disorder—each highlighting how tenofovir fits into broader treatment plans. Whether you’re a patient checking drug safety or a professional comparing pill options, the collection below offers concrete tips and real‑world examples.

Now that you’ve got a clear picture of tenofovir’s role, safety considerations, and how it interacts with kidney health and other therapies, scroll down to explore the curated articles. They dive deeper into dosage strategies, side‑effect management, and the latest evidence on combining tenofovir with other treatments—giving you actionable insight for informed decision‑making.