Tenofovir Dosing

For most people who are taking tenofovir, dosing typically starts at 300 mg once a day. If you have kidney disease, however, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take the drug less frequently (such as once or twice a week instead). Try to take your tenofovir dose at the same time every day to maintain an even level in your blood.

 

Tenofovir Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Tenofovir Dosing for HIV or AIDS

The recommended dose of tenofovir for treating adults with HIV or AIDS is 300 mg once daily. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take the medication less frequently (such as every other day, twice a week, or even once weekly), depending on the severity of your kidney problems.
 

General Information on Dosing With Tenofovir

Considerations for people taking tenofovir include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once daily. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take tenofovir less frequently.
     
  • You can take tenofovir with or without food. If the medicine bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Try to take tenofovir at the same time every day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It is very important that you closely follow your healthcare provider's instructions about taking tenofovir. Missing doses can increase the chance of the virus developing resistance to the drug, thereby making it less effective.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to tenofovir dosing, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;