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 Viread (VEER-ee-ad) is for use in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. Viread is dosed as one tablet, taken once daily, with or without food.
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How does Viread work?
Viread is in the
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI or "nuke") family. Viread helps to block
reverse transcriptase, a special protein that is needed for HIV to multiply (
replicate). By interfering with the replication process, Viread as part of combination therapy helps to lower
viral load and increase
CD4 cell count.
It is important for anyone taking Viread to note that Viread:
- Does not cure HIV infection or AIDS
- Has not been shown to lower your chance of passing HIV to others
- Should only be taken in combination with other drugs for HIV
What is the dosing for Viread?
The recommended dose of Viread is one 300 mg tablet once a day taken orally with or without food.
See
full Prescribing Information for dose adjustment recommendations in patients with impaired kidney function.
Indication
VIREAD is indicated in combination with other anti-HIV agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.
Important Safety Information
• Lactic acidosis (a buildup of acid in the blood) can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, unusual muscle pain and/or weakness
• Serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis), may occur. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have light-colored stools, dark-colored urine and/or if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
• Flare-ups of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: If you have HIV and HBV, your liver disease may suddenly get worse if you stop taking VIREAD. Do not stop taking VIREAD unless directed by your healthcare provider
• Kidney problems: If you have had kidney problems or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests to check your kidneys
• Bone changes: It is not known whether long-term use of VIREAD causes damage to your bones. If you have had bone problems in the past, talk to your healthcare provider before taking VIREAD
Changes in body fat have been seen in some people taking anti-HIV medicines.
The most common side effects of VIREAD are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and gas.
Discuss all medicines you take with your healthcare provider and be aware:
• VIREAD should not be used with Atripla™ or Truvada®
• Your healthcare provider may need to follow you more closely or adjust your therapy if you are taking Videx®, Videx EC®, Reyataz® or Kaletra® with VIREAD
For additional important safety information and details about indication and usage, see the full Prescribing Information.
