Tenofovir Alafenamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects | MedexInfo

Tenofovir Alafenamide

Rx

Generic NameTenofovir Alafenamide

Therapeutic ClassNucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NtRTI)

Max / 24h25 mg

Common Dose25 mg once daily

PregnancyCategory B

Indications ▼

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and adolescents with compensated liver disease

Suppression of hepatitis B viral replication and reduction of liver inflammation

Used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-1 infection

Preferred option in patients at risk of renal impairment

Alternative to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) due to improved renal and bone safety profile

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Tenofovir alafenamide is a prodrug of tenofovir. Inside hepatocytes and lymphoid cells, it is converted to tenofovir diphosphate which inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase by competing with natural nucleotides, leading to chain termination.

Pharmacokinetics: High intracellular concentration with low plasma tenofovir levels. Oral bioavailability enhanced with food. Metabolized intracellularly. Eliminated mainly by renal excretion.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Indication	Dose	Frequency
Chronic Hepatitis B	25 mg	Once daily with food
HIV (combination therapy)	10–25 mg	Once daily (depends on regimen)

Note: Dose adjustment is usually not required in mild to moderate renal impairment.

Side Effects ▼

Nausea, diarrhea

Headache, fatigue

Abdominal discomfort

Elevated ALT and AST

Rare: renal dysfunction, lactic acidosis

Contraindications ▼

Known hypersensitivity to Tenofovir alafenamide

Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C)

Use as monotherapy in HIV patients without combination ART

Drug Interaction ▼

Strong P-gp inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine): reduce TAF concentration

Anticonvulsants: may decrease antiviral effect

Other nephrotoxic drugs: increased renal risk

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Pregnancy Category B

Can be used if benefit outweighs risk

Breastfeeding not recommended in HIV-infected mothers

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Clinical Role: First-line antiviral for chronic HBV with improved safety profile.

Advantage: Lower renal and bone toxicity compared to TDF.

Monitoring: Regular liver enzymes, HBV DNA, renal function.

Research Focus: Long-term viral suppression and resistance patterns.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take once daily with food

Do not stop suddenly without medical advice

Adherence is essential to prevent resistance

Regular follow-up blood tests required

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 30°C

Protect from moisture

Keep container tightly closed

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Alenvir® 25 mg Alfavir® 25 mg Nexataf® 25 mg Protovir® 25 mg T-Fovir A® 25 mg TAF® 25 mg Telabee® 25 mg Tranbit® 25 mg Vironil-A® 25 mg

Global:

Vemlidy Descovy (combination)

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Antiviral Agents • Condition: Hepatitis B • Condition: HIV Infection