What are the biggest side effects of taking tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets/Veride?

Tenofovir alafenamide/Veride (TAF) is a small molecule nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor that was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 for the treatment of adult patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). In 2024, the indications were expanded to treat patients 6 years old and above with compensated liver disease. Some side effects of tenofovir alafenamide are mild and may improve on their own. Others are more serious and require monitoring during treatment.

1. New or more serious kidney problems, including kidney failure. Patients may develop symptoms such as glomerulonephritis and renal tubular damage. Doctors may order blood and urine tests to check a person's kidneys when starting treatment and during treatment. If new or more serious kidney problems develop, your doctor may advise you to stop taking tenofovir alafenamide.

2. Too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as weakness or feeling more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, shortness of breath or shortness of breath, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, dizziness or lightheadedness, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

3. Severe liver problems. This drug may cause elevated liver enzymes, abnormal liver function, and even hepatitis; in rare cases, death. If you experience symptoms such as yellowing of the white parts of the skin or eyes, dark"tea"-colored urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach pain, inform your doctor immediately.

The most common side effect of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets is headache, and the product is marketed with a boxed warning of severe acute exacerbation of hepatitis B after treatment. Different patients' experiences may vary. Before using tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets, you should have a detailed discussion and evaluation with your doctor, and follow your doctor's instructions to reduce the risk of side effects.