Kim Gale  |  July 13, 2019

Tenofovir Overview

Tenofovir is a prescription antiretroviral drug that helps control HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B viral infections. Tenofovir is in a class of HIV medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Tenofovir blocks the mechanism of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is needed for both HIV and chronic hepatitis B viruses to replicate themselves. By blocking the enzyme, the amount of the virus in the blood can be reduced, which can help hinder the transmission of the AIDS virus.

At the same time, tenofovir can help increase the number of white blood cells that help the body fight off infections.

Possible Side Effects of Drugs Containing Tenofovir

The original tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) drug is sold by Gilead Sciences under the brand name of Viread. Stribild, Complera, Truvada and Atripla all contain tenofovir.

According to Healthline, a variety of serious side effects may occur in patients who take any of these tenofovir-containing medications.

Liver problems and a blood condition known as lactic acidosis may become fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of liver impairment include yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark-tinted urine, light-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite and nausea or abdominal pain.

Deep, rapid breathing, fatigue, nausea or vomiting and unusual weakness may indicate lactic acidosis.

Tenofovir also may be the cause of bone density issues. Osteopenia is a condition marked by weakened bones; osteoporosis is a more pronounced deterioration of bones that have become particularly fragile and porous. Bone pain or easily fractured bones may indicate bone density problems.

According to the FDA, patients taking tenofovir also may be at increased risk of kidney damage or the development of Fanconi syndrome, a rare disease that affects the kidneys and causes an excessive release of glucose, salts, uric acid, potassium and certain amino acids out the body through the urine.

Patients with Fanconi syndrome may experience chemical and nutritional imbalances. Kidney impairment is usually a gradual process, and patients should be aware of increased fatigue, achiness, puffiness or unexplained weight gain.

Lawsuit Alleges Gilead Hid Better Medication

At least one lawsuit has been filed by two men in California who allege Gilead developed a new version of tenofovir called Genvoya (tenofovir alafenamide fumarate or TAF for short), which has a much better bioavailability than Viread.

One of the plaintiffs developed Fanconi syndrome, and the other plaintiff said he has osteoporosis. Both have been on regimens that include tenofovir.

Bioavailability refers to the proportion of the medicine that the body actually uses. Generally, a more bioavailable a drug is, the less of it a patient needs to see an active effect, and the less hard the body must work to eliminate excess medication.

According to the LA Times, in the case of Viread versus Genvoya, the plaintiffs believe that a lower dose of Genvoya would be as effective as a higher dose of Viread. A lower dose of the medication could mean fewer or less severe side effects.

The men allege Gilead hid the encouraging data on Genvoya in order to make as much money as possible from the sales of Viread before their patent expired.

Gilead received FDA approval for Genvoya in November 2015.

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