Vemlidy (Tenofovir alafenamide) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is Vemlidy?

Vemlidy, with the generic name tenofovir alafenamide, is an oral medication indicated to manage chronic hepatitis B virus infection among adult patients who have compensated liver disease. It prevents complications like liver damage or cirrhosis and liver cancer. On the other hand, this medication cannot cure hepatitis B and prevent its transmissibility.

This nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor works by getting incorporated into the viral DNA by hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcriptase. It inhibits the growth of the virus by hindering HBV replication. This is available in Vemlidy 25 mg tablets.

How to use Vemlidy

First, read the enclosed medication information leaflet. Do not use this oral tablet if you have not yet fully understood the drug information in the guide provided. If you need further medical advice or have questions on this treatment, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this tablet orally. This is usually prescribed once daily, with or right after a meal, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet and drink a glass of water thereafter. You should not break, divide, or chew this drug. If in case you are on dialysis, you should take this nucleoside analog after your dialysis treatment.

Remember to take this oral drug regularly and with a dosing schedule to achieve the best results. You’re dosing and length of treatment will depend on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you are taking. Avoid increasing or decreasing your dosage without the advice of a healthcare professional. In addition, do not stop taking this medication abruptly and even for a short time because it could lead to worsening or drug-resistant infections.

Vemlidy Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort

For the most part, the side effects brought about by this treatment are mild and impermanent. If the adverse reactions get worse or persist, you should call your doctor or any healthcare provider. You must also report severe side effects, including:

• Mental or mood changes
• Lactic acidosis (deep and rapid breathing, drowsiness, weakness)
• Change in urine output
• Unusual thirst
• Persistent vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Severe stomach pain

This is not a full or complete list of Vemlidy’s side effects.

Precautions when using Vemlidy

Before taking this oral medication, you should disclose your full medical history with your physician. This includes any history of pancreatitis, bone problems, liver problems, kidney problems, and HIV infection or other infections. Certain conditions may directly impact how your body will respond to treatment. You must also tell your doctor about all the herbal products, supplements, prescription drugs, and nonprescription drugs you are taking, for they might have drug interactions with this nucleoside analog.

Continually lookout for an allergic reaction while on this treatment. Do not take this oral drug if you have a known allergy to tenofovir alafenamide or any inactive ingredients each tablet may contain. Immediately discontinue medication and alert the emergency medical line once you experience signs of hypersensitivity, including breathing trouble, swelling of the face and neck, skin rashes, severe dizziness, and hives.

Although rare, there are some cases of lactic acidosis while on this medication. To prevent this condition, drink a lot of water and maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, have enough sleep and avoid strenuous physical activities.

Pregnant and breastfeeding moms must use this oral drug only if clearly needed. There are still no definitive clinical trials to tell whether this medication could harm unborn babies and nursing infants.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to take Vemlidy?

You may take this tablet any time and based on the advice of your doctor.

How long do you take Vemlidy before you feel the improvements?

It could take 6 to 12 months before you notice improvements in your condition.

What is the difference between Viread and Vemlidy?

On Viread vs Vemlidy, both are effective antivirals. However, the latter is a new formulation that is known to have fewer adverse effects on the bones and kidneys.

Which is better, Vemlidy or Entecavir?

On Vemlidy vs Entecavir, both are used to manage the hepatitis b virus, but the latter is also indicated to prevent reinfection of HBV following a liver transplant.

How much does Vemlidy cost?

The price can be found on this page.