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)
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