Viread is a branded form of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate sold by pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences.

What is Tenofovir?

Tenofovir is an oral medication used in the treatment of HIV. This drug is part of the drug class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), meaning that it prevents HIV from multiplying by inhibiting a key enzyme utilized by the virus.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is always prescribed to be taken along with other HIV drugs.

Although tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDs, it is one of many drugs that may be prescribed to individuals in an attempt to manage the condition. By limiting the amount of HIV in the body, tenofovir helps people with HIV live longer and healthier lives while also reducing the risk of HIV transmission.

Tenofovir is also used in the treatment of Hepatitis B. It works for both conditions by decreasing the amount of virus in the body.

Is Tenofovir the Same Thing as Viread?

Viread is a branded form of tenofovir that is sold by Gilead Sciences. Other tenofovir drugs include Atripla, Complera, Stribild, and Truvada.

What Are Viread Side Effects?

Viread and other tenofovir drugs have been heavily criticized for their risks and side effects. Common side effects of Viread reportedly include diarrhea, nausea, and a headache. However, there are other more serious conditions that have been associated with the drug.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences, treatment with Viread and other tenofovir drugs can lead to a dangerous condition caused lactic acidosis. This condition occurs when there is too much lactic acid in the blood and can have serious consequences. Other severe side effects reportedly include “severe” liver problems, new or worsening kidney problems, and kidney failure.

A 2017 study found that Viread was associated with a number of severe Viread side effects stemming from the high levels of the drug needed to effectively treat HIV.

“Tenofovir has potential nephrotoxic and bone density loss effects, especially in patients with HIV coinfection,” the study concluded. The researchers noted that the risk of kidney toxicity may be an additional risk if patient with HIV are treated for an “especially extended period.”

If patients experience bone density loss, their bones may become soft or thin. This can result in skeletal problems and injuries such as fractures.

Other side effects associated with the drug may include depression, abdominal pain, skin rash, chest pain, peripheral neuropathy, joint pain, chronic muscle inflammation, a low amount of potassium or phosphate in the blood, pancreatitis, and difficulty breathing.

Can I Take Legal Action for Viread Side Effects?

Some consumers claim that Gilead knew about the serious risk associated with their tenofovir drugs but failed to warn consumers. Some individuals also claim that Gilead knew that there was a safer alternative to Viread but chose to pursue the less safe drug in order to maximize their profit under the patented medication.

A lawsuit filed against the company claims that the safer drug was purposefully withheld “until Gilead had exhausted the profits it could earn from Truvada.” The drug manufacturer reportedly faces similar legal action regarding their Atripla, Complera, Stribild, and Viread medications.

According to an HIV-prevention group called PrEP4All Collaboration, the manufacturer knew for years that they had developed a safer option for managing HIV. They claim that Gilead invented the safer drug in 2000, but ceased development in 2004.

According to PrEP4All, Gilead purposefully postponed development and marketing of the drug due to the patents on the company’s existing drugs. Additionally, Gilead allegedly refused to publish early positive results from studies showing the safety and effectiveness of the new drug.

If Gilead waited to release the new drug until the patents on its other drugs had expired, and other companies could begin producing HIV drugs, the company could potentially continue its monopoly on the HIV drug market. Gilead has earned billions of dollars from sales of Viread.

However, waiting to release the drug may have subjected countless HIV patients to harmful side effects including bone loss and serious kidney damage for as long as a decade. Gilead has denied the accusations, stating that the company considers patient safety to be of foremost importance and did not shelve the safer drug in order to continue bringing in profits.