Antiviral (Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) is an antiviral medicine that works by blocking a virus from making copies of itself in your body. It is a newer, improved version of the older tenofovir that is gentler on your kidneys and bones.
Inhibits reverse transcriptase enzyme in HIV and hepatitis B virus by competing with natural nucleotides for incorporation into viral DNA, causing chain termination and preventing viral replication. The prodrug is converted intracellularly to its active form, tenofovir, which accumulates in infected cells for sustained antiviral activity.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For hepatitis B: Take one 25 mg tablet once a day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Try to take it at the same time every day so you don't forget. In Nigeria, you may find it as Hepbest 25 mg or Vemlidy 25 mg. Do not stop taking this medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can cause your hepatitis B to flare up badly.
If you miss a dose and remember within 18 hours of your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice — stopping can cause a dangerous flare-up of hepatitis B that can seriously damage your liver. Buy only from licensed pharmacies — products like Hepbest and Vemlidy should come in proper sealed packaging; avoid buying from roadside vendors or unverified online sellers. Do not share this medicine with anyone, even if they have the same condition.
Avoid taking with other medicines that contain tenofovir (like Viread or some HIV combination tablets) as this doubles the dose and can harm your kidneys. Rifampicin, commonly used for tuberculosis (TB) treatment in Nigeria, can reduce the effectiveness of this medicine — tell your doctor if you are on TB drugs. St. John's Wort (a herbal supplement) should be avoided as it can make this drug less effective.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Tenofovir with your other drugs?
Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding — the safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established, so your doctor must weigh the benefits and risks.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C — away from direct sunlight and humidity, which can be a problem in Nigerian weather. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate?
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