VIREAD TABLET belongs to the group of medications called ‘antiretroviral drugs’ used to treat HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that, over time, leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.

VIREAD TABLET contains ‘Tenofovir disoproxil’, a ‘nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor’ that works by interfering with the normal working of enzymes (reverse transcriptase in HIV and DNA polymerase in HBV) that are essential for the production of viruses. It effectively reduces the symptoms associated with HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection.

You should use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of VIREAD TABLET are diarrhoea, being sick (vomiting), feeling sick (nausea), bloating, flatulence, weakness, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, and fatigue. However, seek medical attention if the side effects persist or worsen.

Do not take VIREAD TABLET if you are allergic to any of its contents. Patients should take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others. It should be used cautiously in patients with severe liver and kidney diseases. Consult a doctor immediately if you develop any new signs of infection while using this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

VIREAD TABLET contains ‘Tenofovir disoproxil’, which is an antiretroviral agent. It can effectively cause viral suppression in HIV and chronic hepatitis B. It acts on the enzymes that are essential for the replication of the virus. The enzyme essential for HIV replication is reverse transcriptase, and the enzyme for hepatitis B is DNA polymerase. VIREAD TABLET blocks these enzymes and decreases the viral load in the blood.

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Do not take VIREAD TABLET if you are allergic to ‘tenofovir disoproxil’ or any other contents present in it. It is contraindicated in adolescents with kidney failure. When this medicine is used in combination therapy for HIV, there is a risk of osteonecrosis (bone tissue death). There is a severe risk of fatal complications in patients with severe liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis B or C. Consult a doctor immediately if you develop any new signs of infection while using this medicine, as there is a chance of opportunistic infections (infection seen in patients with a weak immune system). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Drug-Drug Interactions: VIREAD TABLET may interact with a medication used to treat hepatitis B virus (adefovir dipivoxil), drugs used to treat bacterial infections (aminoglycosides, pentamidine, vancomycin), antifungal medicine (amphotericin B), antiviral drugs (didanosine, foscarnet, ganciclovir, and cidofovir), immunotherapy (interleukin-2), immunosuppressant (tacrolimus) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interactions: VIREAD TABLET should be used with caution in patients with severe liver or kidney diseases.

• PENTAMIDINE
• VANCOMYCIN
• AMPHOTERICIN B
• FOSCARNET
• GANCICLOVIR
• CIDOFOVIR
• INTERLEUKIN-2
• TACROLIMUS
• DIDANOSINE
• ADEFOVIR DIPIVOXIL

• Eat a diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Option for lean meat such as skinless chicken and fish. Limit processed and high-sugar foods.
• Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons, and oranges.
• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
• Exercise regularly as it promotes both physical and mental health.
• Take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection to other people.

Your doctor may regularly monitor liver function, kidney function, and bone density if you take VIREAD TABLET .

Human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV): It is a virus that suppresses the immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time. The suppression of immunity leads to the development of opportunistic infections. It is a life-long condition, and there is no permanent cure. The treatment (antiretroviral therapy) is given to suppress the infection.

Chronic Hepatitis B: It is a severe and long-term liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It spreads by contact with infected body fluids. The symptoms of this condition are abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes.