Tenofovir: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Tenofovir treats HIV and hepatitis B and is used in HIV prevention (PrEP). It belongs to the HIV & hepatitis antiviral group. These control HIV or viral hepatitis. They are taken long-term (or as a full course) under specialist care.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	HIV & hepatitis antiviral
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

HIV infection, as part of combination treatment
Chronic hepatitis B
HIV prevention (PrEP) in people at risk, with emtricitabine
Preventing hepatitis B passing to the baby in some pregnant women

Common brand names

India: Tenvir, Tavin, Ricovir
Worldwide: Viread, Vemlidy

Common side effects

Nausea
Headache or tiredness
Kidney strain (tenofovir disoproxil)
Bone thinning with long use

Before taking it — precautions

Kidney function is checked regularly
Do not stop suddenly if you have hepatitis B; it can flare
Avoid regular NSAID painkillers without advice

When to see a doctor urgently

Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine after stopping (hepatitis flare) (urgent)
Passing much less urine or swelling
New bone pain or fractures

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of tenofovir depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Does tenofovir cure HIV or hepatitis B?

No. It controls the virus, so it must be taken long-term as prescribed.

How well does PrEP work?

Taken consistently, PrEP greatly lowers the chance of getting HIV, but it does not protect against other infections.

What is the difference between tenofovir DF and tenofovir alafenamide?

Both are forms of tenofovir; the alafenamide form tends to be gentler on kidneys and bones.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.