Viread is a prescription medication used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B infections. Viread belongs to a group of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) which work by stopping the virus from replicating.
This medication comes in tablet form and in an oral powder to be mixed with soft food that does not require chewing (applesauce). Viread is taken once daily. Viread tablets can be taken with or without food.
Common side effects of Viread include nausea, rash, and diarrhea.
WARNINGS: LACTIC ACIDOSIS/SEVERE HEPATOMEGALY WITH STEATOSIS and POST TREATMENT EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS
Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including Viread, in combination with other antiretrovirals.
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis have been reported in HBV-infected patients who have discontinued anti-hepatitis B therapy, including Viread. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue anti-hepatitis B therapy, including Viread. If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted.
