Viread and/or Equivalents

Viread

Viread Drug Description

Viread is the brand name of a medicine that belongs to a group of antiretroviral drugs which are known as NtRTIs (nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors). It is prescribed extensively in the treatment of AIDS and chronic Hepatitis B in both adults and children. Both these diseases cause life-threatening conditions and have become a global threat recently. The diseases spread through specific viruses and Viread works by obstructing the multiplication of the viruses inside the body. The prime ingredient in Viread is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. It is available both as tablets in different strengths and as a powder. The tablets are available as 150mg, 200mg, 250mg and 300mg. The tablets are shaped differently and embossed with their respective strengths for easy identification. Viread tablet 150mg contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 150mg equivalent to tenofovir disoproxil 123mg. It is a white coloured, triangular film-coated tabled embossed with ‘150’ on one side and ‘GSI’ on the other. The 200mg tablet contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 200mg, equivalent to tenofovir disoproxil 163mg. It is a white coloured, round, film-coated tablet embossed with ‘200’ on one side and ‘GSI’ on the other. The 250mg tablet contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 250mg, equivalent to tenofovir disoproxil 204mg. It is a white coloured, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet embossed with ‘250’ on one side and ‘GSI’ on the other. The 300mg tablet contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg, equivalent to tenofovir disoproxil 245mg. It is a light-blue coloured, almond-shaped, film-coated tablet embossed with ‘300’ on one side while the other side has ‘GILEAD’ and ‘4331’ embossed on its surface. Croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch and microcrystalline cellulose are some of the common excipients present in all the tablets. Viread oral powder contains 40mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate per gram of the powder. The pack of comes with a dosing scoop which should be used for measurements. One level scoop measures one gram and provides 33mg of tenofovir disoproxil. It is granular in nature, white in colour and is taste-masked. Mannitol, silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose and ethylcellulose are the inactive ingredients in the powder. Viread is presented by Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Conditions Treated by Viread

Viread is co-prescribed along with other medications as a treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and chronic Hepatitis B. Currently, Viread is the only medication in the NtRTI category that is prescribed to combat the spread of HIV-1 virus in adults and children above two years. In AIDS, Viread works by blocking the enzyme reverse transcriptase which is vital to the production of this retrovirus. It therefore impedes the multiplication of the HIV-1 virus in the human body and helps in checking the virus from spreading and infecting healthy cells. Viread is not a cure for AIDs as it cannot cure already affected cells; it only saves other cells from future infection. In the treatment of Hepatitis B, Viread works similarly by inhibiting the enzyme HBV polymerase and obstructing the spread of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in the human body. It is administered to adults and children above twelve years of age.

Viread Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Typical dosage of Viread depends on age, body weight, individual tolerance level, other medications being taken by the patient etc. Generally, the usual dose of Viread for the treatment of AIDS and chronic hepatitis B in adults and children above 12 years (weighing more than 35kg) is one 300mg tablet taken once a day orally, with or without food. For patients who are unable to swallow, 7.5 scoops of Viread powder is the recommended daily dose. For paediatric patients between two and twelve years of age, the recommended dose is 8mg per kg of body weight per day (300mg maximum). Paediatric patients who cannot swallow tablets can take Viread powder along with some soft food that does not require chewing; like baby food or yoghurt.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have missed a dose of Viread, take it immediately on remembering. However, skip it altogether if you are about to take the next dose. Never take two doses together as it may lead to adverse reactions due to overdosing.

c.) Overdosing

Consult your physician or local emergency centre immediately if you have overdosed Viread as you may require the standard remedial treatments.

Viread Warnings

Since Viread is prescribed in the treatment of critical diseases i.e. AIDS and Chronic Hepatitis B, it is vital for you to follow the dosage and complete the treatment as advised by your physician. Discontinuing midway may allow the viruses to develop resistance towards Viread and aggravate your illness. Discuss with your physician every aspect of your treatment with Viread before commencing treatment. This may include the risks, benefits, side effects, precautionary measures etc. Consult him/her immediately if you feel any discomfort after using the medication but do not discontinue use or alter dosage arbitrarily. If you are taking Viread powder, never mix it with any liquid as the granules will float on the surface even after stirring and will not mix properly. Always measure the quantity of powder you require with the measuring scoop provided, mix the powder with soft food and consume immediately without chewing. Inform your physician if you are suffering from or have a past history of renal impairments, hepatic disorders, osteoporosis, blood disorder (e.g. anaemia) or allergies. He/she should also know if you are pregnant or nursing. Viread is co-prescribed with other medicines in the treatment of AIDS. Be sure to take all your medicines exactly as prescribed to get the best benefit. Keep in touch with your physician and attend all scheduled appointments. Your physician will periodically want to check your blood and liver functions while you are undergoing treatment with Viread for chronic hepatitis B. So be regular in your visits and undergo all tests recommended by him/her. Avoid alcohol while taking Viread for chronic hepatitis B as alcohol will damage your liver further. Chronic hepatitis B may relapse after a few months even if you have completed your tenure of treatment. Visit your physician at regular intervals for close monitoring of your condition.

Viread Side Effects

Common side effects of Viread include allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea and random deposition of body fat. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any severe side effect like lactic acidosis, liver damage or kidney damage, increased sweating, insomnia, palpitation, changes in menstrual cycle, impotence, thyroid enlargement, lower back pain or urinary incontinence.

Viread Drug Interactions

Viread can react with several other medications that you may be taking presently for other medical conditions. Before prescribing this medicine, your physician should therefore know everything about all prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking including vitamins, diet supplements, herbal preparations etc. You should also inform him/her about your addictions to alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, street-drugs etc.

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Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Viread and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information