Tenofovir disoproxil is an antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis B and HIV infections. It works by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is used by the virus to replicate in the body. Tenofovir disoproxil is usually taken once daily in combination with other medications. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and fever.
Tenofovir disoproxil, sold under the brand name Viread among others, is a medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B and to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It may be used for prevention of HIV/AIDS among those at high risk before exposure, and after a needlestick injury or other potential exposure. It is sold both by itself and together in combinations such as emtricitabine/tenofovir, efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, and elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir. It does not cure HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B. It is available by mouth as a tablet or powder.
Tenofovir disoproxil is a prodrug, meaning that it is inactive until it is broken down in the body into tenofovir. Tenofovir is a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs work by interfering with the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is an enzyme that HIV and hepatitis B viruses need to copy their genetic material. By interfering with reverse transcriptase, tenofovir helps to prevent the viruses from multiplying.