Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) is an antiviral medicine that is approved to treat the hepatitis B virus (HBV), a viral infection of the liver. Chronic (long-term) HBV infection can lead to serious liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. Vemlidy is used to lower the amount of hepatitis B virus in your body and improve the condition of your liver. It can be used by adults and children ages 12 years and older.
Keep reading and we will discuss everything you need to know about Vemlidy and what it is used for.
What conditions does Vemlidy treat?
Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) is a brand-name prescription drug manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults and children 12 years of age and older with stable (compensated) liver disease.
The active ingredient in Vemlidy, tenofovir alafenamide, is also used along with other antiretrovirals in medications such as Biktarvy to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
How does Vemlidy work?
The active ingredient in Vemlidy is tenofovir alafenamide, which belongs to a drug class called nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Tenofovir alafenamide is a targeted form of tenofovir that has to travel to the liver before it becomes active. Once it reaches the liver, it is activated in the liver cells to stop or slow the growth of the HBV virus. This helps reduce the risk of liver damage and liver cancer.
What doses of Vemlidy are available?
Vemlidy is available as an oral 25 mg tablet that should be taken with food.
What is the dosage for Vemlidy?
The recommended dose of Vemlidy is 1 tablet (25 mg) taken by mouth once daily with food. Taking Vemlidy without food may cause your body to not absorb it properly and make it work less effectively.
How do you take Vemlidy?
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Read the Patient Information and Medication Guide that come with this medication.
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You should take Vemlidy exactly how your healthcare provider prescribes it to you. Don’t change your dose or stop taking Vemlidy without discussing it with them first. If you stop taking Vemlidy, your HBV infection may worsen (flare-up).
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One tablet of Vemlidy 25 mg is typically taken once a day with food.
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If you are on dialysis, take this medication after dialysis.
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It is very important to not miss doses of Vemlidy as it can result in the development of resistance. Be sure to refill your prescription before it runs out and set a reminder to take your medication. If you do miss a dose of Vemlidy, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the next scheduled time. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
What are the side effects of Vemlidy?
The most common possible side effects of Vemlidy include:
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Headache
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Cough
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Abdominal pain
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Tiredness
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Joint pain
Rarely, Vemlidy may cause some more serious side effects such as:
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Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat)
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Lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in your blood)
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Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
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New or worsening kidney problems or kidney disease
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Severe liver problems with symptoms such as stomach pain, swollen belly, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Vemlidy. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Are there any drug interactions with Vemlidy?
When Vemlidy is taken with other drugs, it can change how they work or make some side effects more likely or severe. You should ask your healthcare provider if any of the prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take may interact with Vemlidy, including:
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Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin
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Antibacterials such as rifabutin, rifampin, and rifapentine
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St. John’s wort
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Adefovir
What precautions are there with Vemlidy?
Vemlidy carries a Boxed Warning from the FDA that cautions against stopping treatment for HBV infections. Stopping medications such as Vemlidy may cause severe flare-ups of HBV. If your healthcare provider decides to stop Vemlidy, they should do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver function. If needed, treatment should be restarted to prevent complications.
You should also make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your medical conditions before starting Vemlidy, including:
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HIV-1 infection
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End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
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Liver disease
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Pancreatitis
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Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant as it is not known whether Vemlidy can harm your unborn baby
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Are breastfeeding
Can Vemlidy cure hepatitis B?
Currently, there are vaccines to help prevent hepatitis B but there is no cure if you already have this condition. However, most people with hepatitis B will recover fully. Some people with hepatitis B are only sick for a few weeks (acute HBV), while some develop a serious, lifelong illness known as chronic HBV. The younger a person is when infected with HBV, the greater the chance of developing a chronic infection.
There are drugs such as Vemlidy that help manage your condition once you are diagnosed with HBV. They help prevent the growth of the virus to reduce the risk of liver damage and allow it to heal.
How do you store Vemlidy?
Store Vemlidy at room temperature in its original container below 86°F (30°C). Keep the container tightly closed. Keep Vemlidy and all of your other medications out of reach of children.
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