Tenofovir Disoproxil
Four tenofovir disoproxil products sit on this shelf, from Tenvir at 300 mg alone to Tenvir-EM, Trustiva and Viropil, each pairing it with additional antivirals. Tenofovir disoproxil is used for HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B.
Key points
- Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor that reduces the amount of HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus in the blood.
- Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported when treatment is stopped; the label calls for clinical and laboratory monitoring for at least several months after discontinuation.
- Renal impairment, including Fanconi syndrome, and bone effects such as osteomalacia have been reported with tenofovir disoproxil use.
How does Tenofovir Disoproxil work?
Tenofovir disoproxil blocks an enzyme the virus needs to copy its genetic material. In HIV-1, that enzyme is reverse transcriptase; in hepatitis B, it is the viral polymerase. Cells convert the medicine into an active form that the virus mistakes for a building block. Once incorporated, the copying process stops and no new viral particles are made.
Brands and forms in this catalogue
Tenvir, made by Cipla, is the only single-agent product here at 300 mg. It is the one listed for Chronic Hepatitis B as well as HIV-1. The other three are fixed-dose combinations for HIV Management: Tenvir-EM pairs tenofovir disoproxil with emtricitabine and is the product used for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis; Trustiva adds efavirenz and emtricitabine; Viropil pairs it with dolutegravir and lamivudine. All four come as tablets.
Several brands exist for one molecule because different combination partners suit different treatment contexts, and different manufacturers produce the same active ingredient under their own names.