What is Viread?
Viread (tenofovir disoproxil) is a prescription treatment used for HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B infection in adults and children who are at least 2 years old and weigh at least 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
HIV-1 is a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if not appropriately managed. Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term infection that damages the liver over time. Viread belongs to a class of drugs called antiretrovirals, which work by preventing viruses from multiplying within the body.
When used with other HIV treatments, the Viread drug helps lower the amount of virus in the blood, supports the immune system, and protects the liver from further damage. Viread is a crucial option for individuals living with these infections who require effective and reliable treatment.
It is important to understand Viread contraindications before starting therapy. People with severe kidney problems, liver issues, or bone disease need special care before using the Viread drug.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women must also talk to their doctor, because Viread can affect both mother and baby. Stopping Viread suddenly can cause a dangerous flare-up of hepatitis B, making the infection worse.
Consult your doctor about all other drugs you are using to avoid harmful interactions. Knowing the contraindications of Viread helps ensure that treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your health needs.
How Does Viread Work?
Viread works by fighting viruses inside the body. It contains an active ingredient called tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, which belongs to a group of drugs known as antivirals.
When you take Viread by mouth, your body changes it into tenofovir, the active form that blocks the virus from making copies of itself.
This helps control infections like HIV-1 and hepatitis B. After swallowing a Viread tablet, it takes about one hour for the drug to reach its highest level in your blood.
Viread has a long-lasting effect in the body, with a half-life of approximately 17 hours, which means it remains active for a prolonged period and only needs to be taken once daily to continue fighting the virus.
Viread Dosage Information and Usage
Before starting treatment, doctors must test patients for both HIV-1 and HBV infection. Patients should also have kidney function tests, including serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein levels.
Viread is taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. Always follow the exact dosage prescribed by your doctor and stay under their care during treatment.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Viread
Viread is available in tablet and oral powder forms:
- 150 mg tablets
- 200 mg tablets
- 250 mg tablets
- 300 mg tablets
- Oral powder
How to Take Viread?
Follow these steps to take Viread properly:
- Take Viread exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Take it at the same time every day.
- Swallow Viread tablets whole, with or without food.
- If prescribed oral powder, mix it with soft food (not liquid) and take it immediately.
- Do not change your dose or stop taking Viread without speaking to your doctor.
- Refill your prescription before you run out to avoid missing a dose.
Viread Side Effects
Viread medication side effects can range from mild to very serious. Some of the most common Viread side effects include nausea, rash, diarrhea, and headache.
However, some people may have more severe reactions, such as kidney problems, bone issues, lactic acidosis, or severe liver problems.
It is important to know about both the common and the severe Viread long-term side effects if you are taking this medication.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Pain
- Depression
- Weakness
- Fever (especially in people with advanced hepatitis B)
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
Severe Side Effects
- New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Changes in the immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome)
- Bone problems like pain, softening, or thinning of the bones
- Too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)
- Severe liver problems, including liver failure
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Loss of appetite lasting several days or longer
- Shortness of breath or fast breathing
- Cold or blue hands and feet
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Warnings and Precautions for Viread
Viread can cause serious problems such as liver damage, kidney issues, bone loss, and changes in your immune system. Some problems can occur soon after starting treatment, while others may not appear until after using the medications for an extended period.
- Test patients for the hepatitis B virus before or when they start Viread.
- Stopping Viread can cause sudden and severe worsening of hepatitis B infection, so patients must be closely monitored for several months after stopping treatment.
- If hepatitis B worsens after stopping Viread, patients may need to start anti-hepatitis B treatment again, especially if they have severe liver disease.
- Viread can cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure and a condition called Fanconi syndrome, where the kidneys do not work properly and important minerals like phosphorus are lost.
- Doctors should check kidney function with blood and urine tests before and during treatment with Viread.
- Patients with kidney disease should have their Viread dose adjusted and should be monitored closely.
- Viread should not be used with medications that can harm the kidneys, such as high doses or multiple types of anti-inflammatory painkillers.
- If patients experience bone pain, muscle weakness, or fractures, their kidney function should be checked, as these symptoms may indicate underlying kidney problems.
- Viread should only be used in patients who have both HIV-1 and hepatitis B infections as part of a complete HIV treatment plan to prevent the virus from becoming resistant.
- Patients with hepatitis B infection should be tested for HIV-1 before starting Viread.
- Patients with HIV-1 infection may experience immune reconstitution syndrome, which means the immune system gets stronger and may cause hidden infections to become active and cause symptoms.
- Autoimmune diseases, like Graves’ disease or muscle inflammation, can happen after starting HIV treatment and may occur months later.
- Viread may cause loss of bone mineral density, meaning bones may become weaker over time, and patients may have a higher chance of fractures.
- In children and teenagers, Viread can slow the normal increase in bone density; however, expected growth in height was not affected during studies.
- The long-term effects of Viread on bone health and the risk of fractures in both adults and children are not fully known.
- Doctors may recommend checking bone health, especially in patients with a history of bone problems.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements may help, but researchers have not studied this in combination with Viread.
- Viread has been linked to bone softening, also called osteomalacia, which can cause bone pain, muscle pain, and a higher risk of fractures.
- Patients who have persistent bone or muscle problems while using Viread should be checked for bone softening and kidney issues.
- Viread can cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, where there is too much lactic acid in the blood, and severe liver problems with fat buildup in the liver, which can be life-threatening.
- Stop Viread treatment if a patient shows signs of lactic acidosis or serious liver problems.
- Using Viread with other medications can cause drug interactions that may lead to serious side effects.
- Doctors should review all medications a patient is taking before and during treatment with Viread and monitor for any side effects.
Viread Interactions
Other medications, especially those that affect the kidneys or treat infections like HIV or hepatitis, interact with Viread. Some medications raise or lower the levels of Viread or the other medicines in the blood.
This increases the likelihood of side effects or changes how well the medications work. Patients need to identify which drugs interact with Viread.
- Acyclovir
- Cidofovir
- Ganciclovir
- Valacyclovir
- Valganciclovir
- Aminoglycosides (example: gentamicin)
- High-dose NSAIDs
- Multiple NSAIDs
- Adefovir dipivoxil (HEPSERA)
- Didanosine
- Atazanavir
- Atazanavir with ritonavir
- Lopinavir with ritonavir
- Darunavir with ritonavir
- Sofosbuvir with velpatasvir (EPCLUSA)
- Sofosbuvir with velpatasvir and voxilaprevir
- Ledipasvir with sofosbuvir (HARVONI)
Alternative Medications to Viread
If you cannot use Viread or need other options, different medications can help treat HIV or hepatitis B.
These alternatives work in similar ways and can be good alternatives. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.
Order Affordable Viread from Pharma Giant
At Pharma Giant, we believe that the cost of Viread should not be a barrier to your health.
We offer Viread at a lower price, making it easier for you to access the medication you need. With our transparent pricing, you will know the exact Viread price upfront, allowing you to manage your expenses effectively.
Pharma Giant collaborates with licensed Canadian pharmacies to offer affordable Viread prices. We also provide Viread coupons to help you save even more.
You can order online and have your medication delivered directly to your home, with fast shipping within 3 to 5 business days. Trust Pharma Giant to provide you with quality Viread at an affordable price.
How to Order Viread Online?
- Search for Viread, select the correct strength, and click ‘Buy’ to add it to your cart. If you need additional items, continue shopping and add them to your cart as well.
- Once your cart is ready, click ‘Continue Checkout’ and fill in your name, address, and payment details. Use the PGSAVE10 coupon for a 10% discount on your first order.
- After placing your order, upload your prescription directly to the website, email it to info@pharmagiant.com, or fax it to 1-888-562-8159.
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Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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