AntiviralPrescription only
Tenofovir
Tablet
Quick Summary
Tenofovir stops the virus copying itself. It's taken long term.
Hepatitis B
HIV
HIV prevention
Medical Uses
Hepatitis B: Long-term control.
HIV: As part of antiretroviral therapy.
HIV prevention: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in some programmes.
How it's taken
Take it once daily at the same time. Don't stop without medical advice.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Mild.
Kidney effects
Kidney function is monitored.
Bone thinning
With long use.
Interactions
Other kidney-affecting medicines
Increase risk.
Critical Warnings
Don't stop suddenly in hepatitis B
Black Box Warning: Stopping can cause a severe flare.
Kidney monitoring
Regular blood and urine tests.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Tenofovir disproxil fumarate: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine