Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may be marketed under the name Viread, but generic versions are also available. It is taken in combination with other antiretrovirals.

Taking tenofovir and atazanavir together decreases the concentration of atazanavir, so it should only be used if boosted with ritonavir. Protease inhibitors also increase concentrations of tenofovir, so if taken together your healthcare team should monitor you carefully for side-effects.

It’s important your doctor knows about any other drugs you are taking in case they increase your risk of kidney problems. This includes creatine supplements used to increase exercise performance, as they can interfere with the results of kidney function blood tests.

There are other drugs that might affect your kidneys – it’s important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: adefovir dipivoxil, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, interleukin-2, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pentamidine, tacrolimus, vancomycin.

Kidney problems, bone thinning.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, dizziness, low blood phosphate levels, raised liver enzymes, weakness, rash, headache, abdominal pains, and bloating.

Take with food, to increase absorption. However, it is generally accepted that tenofovir can be taken with or without food.

The usual adult dose of tenofovir disoproxil is one 245mg tablet once a day. It is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary. Tenofovir disoproxil is also available in combination tablets Atripla, Eviplera, Stribild and Truvada.