Tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) for hepatitis B
Content date: 11 November 2026
TDF suppresses hepatitis B virus. Many people need long-term treatment, with kidney and bone monitoring tailored to their health.
Your next step
Check your written prescription and monitoring plan. If anything is unclear, ask your care team before changing a dose.
Get urgent help: Get urgent help for markedly reduced urine, breathlessness with profound weakness, new jaundice or confusion.
How to use
- The usual adult tablet contains 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, also labelled as 245 mg tenofovir disoproxil: these describe the same strength. It is generally taken once daily; kidney impairment may change the schedule. Take with food as directed for Viread 245 mg; follow your own leaflet if its instructions differ. For a missed dose, use your leaflet and never double.
Storage
- Follow the temperature printed on your pack; storage requirements differ between tenofovir products. Keep in the original, tightly closed container and away from children and heat.
Tests and follow-up
- Before and during treatment: kidney function, urine protein/glucose, phosphorus when indicated, liver enzymes and HBV DNA. Test for HIV before starting. Bone assessment may be needed when fracture or osteoporosis risks are present.
Possible side effects: what to expect
- Not everyone gets side effects. Nausea, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort may occur and are often mild. Follow your pack’s instructions about taking it with food; report symptoms that persist or interfere with eating or treatment.
- TDF can affect kidney function or bone density, so monitoring reflects your risk factors. Report persistent bone pain or muscle weakness. Do not stop treatment yourself: hepatitis B can flare severely after withdrawal.
Important
- Do not stop abruptly: HBV can flare severely. Check before using anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, especially high or repeated doses, or other kidney-affecting medicines. Do not combine tenofovir-containing products without explicit prescribing instructions. Discuss pregnancy or pregnancy plans. Treatment suppresses HBV but usually does not eliminate the virus.
My prescribed plan - complete with the team
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
When to get help
Get urgent help for markedly reduced urine, breathlessness with profound weakness, new jaundice or confusion.
Report persistent bone pain, muscle weakness, troublesome nausea, or problems obtaining doses. Contact your care team before your supply runs out.