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What is Viread
 Viread
is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines
called nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors
(NRTIs). Viread inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body.
Viread
is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which
causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Viread
is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Viread
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Viread
Lactic acidosis (the build up of lactic acid in the
body) and severe liver problems, including fatal cases,
have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase
inhibitors similar to Viread, alone or in combination. Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting,
or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and
tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and
legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper
stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis
or liver problems.
Follow your doctor's instructions
with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected
sex and the sharing of needles. Viread is not a cure for
HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others
during treatment with this medication.
What you should find out before taking
Viread
Lactic acidosis (the build up of lactic acid in the
body) and severe liver problems, including fatal cases,
have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase
inhibitors similar to Viread, alone or in combination. Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting,
or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and
tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and
legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper
stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis
or liver problems.
Do not take Viread without first
talking to your doctor if you have
- bone problems;
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
You may not be able to take Viread, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have liver disease.
Viread is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful
to an unborn baby. Do not take Viread without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment. It is very important to treat HIV/AIDS
during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
It is
not known whether Viread passes into breast milk and What
effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission
of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that
HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed their babies.
How should take Viread Take Viread exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Viread is usually
taken once a day with or without food. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
It is important to take Viread regularly
to get the most benefit.
Treatment of HIV/AIDS almost
always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need
to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV,
you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other
medical evaluations during treatment with Viread to monitor
progress and side effects.
Store Viread tablets and
solution at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your
doctor directs otherwise.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
The symptoms of an Viread overdose are
not known.
Avoid while taking Viread Viread may interact with other medications resulting
in reduced effectiveness and/or side effects. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription
or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products.
Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to
high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing
of needles. Do not share personal items that can have blood
or body fluids on them, like a toothbrush or razor blade.
Viread is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still
transmit the virus to others during treatment with this
medication.
Possible side effects of Viread Lactic acidosis (the build up of lactic acid in the
body) and severe liver problems, including fatal cases,
have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase
inhibitors similar to Viread, alone or in combination. Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting,
or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and
tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and
legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper
stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis
or liver problems.
If you experience an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Viread
and seek emergency medical attention.
Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Notify
your doctor if you experience
- nausea;
-
diarrhea;
- vomiting;
- flatulence (gas);
or
- changes in body fat (e.g., increased fat in
the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk and loss of fat
from the legs, arms, and face).
Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Viread
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Viread.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products, during treatment with Viread. |
