Antiviral (Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is an antiviral medicine that works by blocking a specific enzyme that HIV and Hepatitis B viruses need to multiply in your body, helping to reduce the amount of virus in your blood.
Inhibits HIV and hepatitis B reverse transcriptase by competing with natural nucleotides for incorporation into viral DNA, causing premature chain termination and blocking viral replication.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one 300 mg tablet once a day, with or without food. It is best to take it at the same time every day so you do not forget. For HIV, it must always be taken together with other antiretroviral medicines — never take it alone for HIV. Swallow the tablet whole with water. In Nigeria, the common brand is Jyna Tenofovir 300 mg.
If you miss a dose and remember the same day, take it as soon as you can. 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, especially if you have Hepatitis B, as your liver condition can get much worse — always consult your doctor before stopping. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and not from roadside sellers, as fake antiretroviral drugs are dangerous and common. Never share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same condition.
Avoid taking with other medicines that can harm the kidneys, such as some painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac used frequently. Do not take with Adefovir (another Hepatitis B drug) as they work in a similar way and can increase side effects. Alcohol can put extra stress on your liver, so limit or avoid alcohol while on this medicine.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Tenofovir with your other drugs?
Tenofovir may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when your doctor decides the benefit is greater than the risk — do not start or stop it without consulting your doctor first.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C — away from direct sunlight and humidity, which is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Keep the container tightly closed and always store 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
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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.
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