Tenvir (tenofovir) is an antiviral medication used to prevent infection with HIV, treat patients who have acquired HIV/AIDS, and to treat patients with Hepatitis B.

The active ingredient in this product, tenofovir, is effective on its own but is often given along with other antiviral medications. Most common among these other medications are emtricitabine and efavirenz, though others may be administered instead or as well.

Tenvir can be used in patients age 2 and up for HIV/AIDS and age 12 and up for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). A doctor should calculate dosage for young patients.

How Tenvir Works

Tenvir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), meaning it blocks an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is critical in retroviruses like HIV. In preventing HIV infection the virus is denied a foothold. In already infected individuals it slows the progression and spread of the disease as well as bolsters the immune system; likewise for HBV.

Patients should be aware that this medication, while beneficial, is not foolproof. Patients are less likely to acquire HIV if using it as a preventive measure, but infection can still happen. Likewise it can improve quality of life and extend life in infected individuals, but it is not a cure.

Preventing HIV

A significant portion of Tenvir use is by patients who do not have HIV but are at risk of acquiring it. This includes individuals who:

• Have unprotected sex with multiple partners;
• Have sex with a partner who engages in sex with multiple partners;
• Do not have HIV but have a partner who does;
• Use, or have sex with a partner who uses, unclean needles.

If going to a doctor to get a Tenvir prescription an HIV test will most likely be ordered before one is given, which isn't a terrible idea if one hasn't been administered in a while. In some areas these patients are also required to take courses on risk-reduction, consistent condom use, education on STDs, and so forth in order to get prescription refills; these courses are often controversial.

Patients who get through such requirements---or skip them by ordering online---will have a number of Tenvir tablets. The standard dosage guidelines are:

• Take 300 mg once per day, every day.
• Treatment may continue for as long as needed, provided no serious side effects develop.

It's important that doses are not skipped, and for best results doses should be taken at the same time each day. Inconsistent use of doses will make patients more vulnerable to acquiring HIV.

As mentioned above, infection is still possible even if religiously taking Tenvir and/or other antivirals. Minimizing risk is also advisable.

Treating HIV/AIDS & HBV

Patients who already have HIV/AIDS will most likely be instructed to take other medications as well as Tenvir. In the majority of cases all of these medications are long-term, and should be taken daily. Standard treatment is similar to prevention, though keep in mind there will be other medications taken as well:

• Take 300 mg once per day, every day.
• Treatment may continue for as long as needed, provided no serious side effects develop.

In active HIV/AIDS/HBV cases, however, there is a bit more variance as well; dosage may differ to some degree from that above, and will almost certainly differ for child patients. Doctor instructions should be followed carefully.

It may be difficult to notice any particular improvements for some time, but Tenvir will, in the majority of cases, inhibit spread of the disease and reduce risk of other illnesses, including serious infections, cancer, or organ damage. Tenvir can both improve quality of life as well as extend duration of life.

Tenvir can be taken for as long as it provides benefit, which may be for the remainder of life. It is not unusual for this medication to be taken for multiple years.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Tenvir is associated with some side effects. Fortunately the medications is well-tolerated by most patients, with common side effects being mild and usually transient:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Unusual dreams

The above are not cause for concern unless persistant or severe enough to be disruptive.

Though considerably more rare than the above, patients who take Tenvir are at a somewhat elevated risk of:

• Severe liver problems
• Kidney damage
• Bone problems
• Build-up of lactic acid
• Immune system changes

The above conditions are serious, and patients are advised to attend regular doctor checkups so the relevant systems can be evaluated, catching and addressing the side effects before they become severe.

Other medications can interact with Tenvir and other commonly-used medications to prevent or treat HIV. Of particular concern are:

• didanosine
• cidofovir
• atazanavir
• acyclovir
• albuterol
• citalopram
• cholecalciferol

Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware of the above, if taken. To be on the safe side double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing any other medication with Tenvir, including over-the-counter varieties.