Tenofovir: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Tenofovir is a nucleotide antiviral medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for chronic hepatitis B and HIV. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Tenofovir works
Tenofovir blocks reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that both hepatitis B and HIV need to copy their genetic material. This keeps the amount of virus in the blood low, allowing the liver and immune system to recover. It controls the infection but does not usually clear it completely.
What is Tenofovir used for?
- Chronic hepatitis B and HIV
Tenofovir (tenofovir disoproxil) is used to treat long-term hepatitis B infection, helping to reduce liver damage and the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is also used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV, and as part of HIV prevention (PrEP) in people at high risk. Treatment is usually long term.
Side effects of Tenofovir
Many people take Tenofovir without major problems. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Weakness
Contact your doctor straight away if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, unusual muscle pain or fast breathing, or passing much more or less urine than usual.
Precautions and warnings
- Do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor, as hepatitis B can flare up severely after stopping.
- Your kidney function and bone health will be checked during treatment; avoid regular use of NSAID painkillers unless your doctor agrees.
- An HIV test is recommended before starting it for hepatitis B.
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take.
- It is often used in pregnancy, but discuss this and breastfeeding with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions about Tenofovir
What is the price of Tenofovir in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Tenofovir products currently in stock range from Rs 2,259 to Rs 7,680 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Tenovir 300 mg Tablets at Rs 2,259. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Tenofovir are available in Pakistan?
Tenofovir is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Tenofo (Getz Pharma Ltd), Tenofomide (Getz Pharmaceuticals), Tenovir (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd) and Tenofo-b (Getz Pharma Ltd Pharma).Do I need a prescription for Tenofovir?
Yes. Tenofovir is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Tenofovir be used during pregnancy?
It is often used in pregnancy, but discuss this and breastfeeding with your doctor.
Are all Tenofovir brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Tenofovir in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Tenofovir brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 4 products containing Tenofovir from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
