First-lineViread

Tenofovir disoproxil (TDF)

NRTI antiviral

Backbone of HIV ART and prevents perinatal hepatitis B transmission.

Oral

First-line for

  • HIV in pregnancy (with emtricitabine + 3rd agent)
  • Hepatitis B in pregnancy (viral load >200,000 IU/mL from 28/40)

Mechanism

Nucleotide analogue → inhibits reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase.

“Renal + bone watch”

  • TDF — monitor Cr, phosphate, BMD
  • TAF (alafenamide) safer kidneys/bone but less pregnancy data

Dosing

TDF
300 mg PO OD

Contraindications

  • CautioneGFR <50 — adjust dose
  • CautionOsteoporosis / low BMD

Side effects

  • Renal tubulopathy (Fanconi)
  • ↓ BMD
  • GI upset

Fetal & maternal notes

  • Extensive safety data in pregnancy — first-line
  • Prevents perinatal HBV when given from 28/40 + neonatal vaccine + HBIG

Key interactions

  • NSAIDs

    Caution

    ↑ nephrotoxicity

  • Didanosine

    Avoid

    ↑ ddI levels

Clinical pearls

  • 💡 Continue throughout pregnancy and postpartum
  • 💡 Switch to TAF postpartum if renal/bone concerns

Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)

Spotted something out of date? See our disclaimer or use Report an Error above.

For educational use only

Not medical advice. Verify dosing against the BNF and your local trust guidelines before prescribing.