Tenofovir alafenamide

What Tenofovir alafenamide is used for

Quoted from the “Indications and Usage” section of the FDA-approved label.

VEMLIDY is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 25 kg with compensated liver disease […]. …

— FDA label: Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Label quoted: the one for the most common form (tablet, oral), Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc.; it covers 1 product in the FDA NDC Directory. The side effects, interactions, dosage and pregnancy quotes below come from this same label.

This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.

Boxed warning

A boxed warning (“black box”) is the FDA’s strongest warning on a drug label, for serious or life-threatening risks.

This label has a boxed warning. Its heading: WARNING: POSTTREATMENT SEVERE ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B. Read it on the full label →

Tenofovir alafenamide boxed warning: what the label says

Quoted from the boxed warning of the FDA-approved label.

WARNING: POSTTREATMENT SEVERE ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B Discontinuation of anti-hepatitis B therapy, including VEMLIDY, may result in severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B. 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 VEMLIDY.

Read more of this section

If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. WARNING: POSTTREATMENT SEVERE ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Discontinuation of anti-hepatitis B therapy may result in severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B. Hepatic function should be monitored closely in patients who discontinue VEMLIDY. If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. (5.1)

— FDA label: Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tenofovir alafenamide side effects

Quoted from the “Adverse Reactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your doctor about any side effect that worries you.

The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Severe Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] New Onset or Worsening of Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Most common adverse reaction (incidence greater than or equal to 10%, all grades) is headache.

Read more of this section

(6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Gilead Sciences, Inc. at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Adult Subjects with Chronic Hepatitis B and Compensated Liver Disease The safety assessment of VEMLIDY was based on pooled data through the Week 96 data analysis from 1298 subjects in two randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trials, Trial 108 and Trial 110, in adult subjects with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease. A total of 866 subjects received VEMLIDY 25 mg once daily [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Further safety assessment was based on pooled data from Trials 108 and 110 from subjects who continued to receive their original blinded treatment through Week 120 and additionally from subjects who received open-label VEMLIDY from Week 96 through Week 120 (n = 361 remained on VEMLIDY; n = 180 switched from TDF to VEMLIDY at Week 96). Based on the Week 96 analysis, the most common adverse reaction (all Grades) reported in at least 10% of subjects in the VEMLIDY group was headache. The proportion of subjects who discontinued treatment with VEMLIDY or TDF due to adverse reactions of any severity was 1.5% and 0.9%, respectively. Table 1 displays the frequency of the adverse reactions (all Grades) greater than or equal to 5% in the VEMLIDY group. Table 1 Adverse Reactions Frequencies of adverse reactions are based on all treatment-emergent adverse events, regardless of relationship to study drug. (All Grades) Reported in ≥5% of Subjects with Chronic HBV Infection and Compensated Liver Disease in Trials 108 and 110 (Week 96 analysis Double-blind phase.) VEMLIDY (N=866) TDF (N=432) Headache 12% 10% Abdominal pain Grouped term including abdominal pain upper, abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, and abdominal tenderness. 9% 6% Cough 8% 8% Back pain 6% 6% Fatigue 6% 5% Nausea 6% 6% Arthralgia 5% 6% Diarrhea 5% 5% Dyspepsia 5% 5% Additional adverse reactions occurring in less than 5% of subjects in Trials 108 and 110 included vomiting, rash, and flatulence. The safety profile of VEMLIDY in subjects who continued to receive blinded treatment through Week 120 was similar to that at Week 96. The safety profile of VEMLIDY in subjects who remained on VEMLIDY in the open-label phase through Week 120 was similar to that in subjects who switched from TDF to VEMLIDY at Week 96.

— FDA label: Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tenofovir alafenamide drug interactions

Quoted from the “Drug Interactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.

VEMLIDY is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and BCRP. Drugs that strongly affect P-gp and BCRP activity may lead to changes in VEMLIDY absorption. Consult the full prescribing information prior to and during treatment for potential drug-drug interactions. (7) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect VEMLIDY VEMLIDY is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and BCRP.

Read more of this section

Drugs that strongly affect P-gp and BCRP activity may lead to changes in tenofovir alafenamide absorption (see Table 4). Drugs that induce P-gp activity are expected to decrease the absorption of tenofovir alafenamide, resulting in decreased plasma concentrations of tenofovir alafenamide, which may lead to loss of therapeutic effect of VEMLIDY. Coadministration of VEMLIDY with other drugs that inhibit P-gp and BCRP may increase the absorption and plasma concentration of tenofovir alafenamide. 7.2 Drugs Affecting Renal Function Because tenofovir is primarily excreted by the kidneys by a combination of glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion, coadministration of VEMLIDY with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase concentrations of tenofovir and other renally eliminated drugs and this may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Some examples of drugs that are eliminated by active tubular secretion include, but are not limited to, acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin), and high-dose or multiple NSAIDs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. 7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Interactions Table 4 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. The drug interactions described are based on studies conducted with tenofovir alafenamide or are predicted drug interactions that may occur with VEMLIDY [For magnitude of interaction, see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Information regarding potential drug-drug interactions with HIV antiretrovirals is not provided (see the prescribing information for emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide for interactions with HIV antiretrovirals). The table includes potentially significant interactions but is not all inclusive. Table 4 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions This table is not all inclusive. Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration ↓ = decrease. Clinical Comment Anticonvulsants: ↓ tenofovir alafenamide When coadministered with carbamazepine, the tenofovir alafenamide dose should be increased to two tablets once daily. Coadministration of VEMLIDY with oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin is not recommended. Carbamazepine Indicates that a drug interaction study was conducted. P-gp inducer Oxcarbazepine Phenobarbital Phenytoin Antimycobacterials: ↓ tenofovir alafenamide Coadministration of VEMLIDY with rifabutin, rifampin or rifapentine is not recommended. Rifabutin Rifampin Rifapentine Herbal Products: ↓ tenofovir alafenamide Coadministration of VEMLIDY with St. John's wort is not recommended.

— FDA label: Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tenofovir alafenamide dosage

Quoted from the “Dosage and Administration” section of the FDA-approved label. Your own dose is the one your doctor prescribes: do not change it on your own.

Testing: Prior to initiation of VEMLIDY, test patients for HIV infection. VEMLIDY alone should not be used in patients with HIV infection. Prior to or when initiating VEMLIDY, and during treatment on a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. Also assess serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Read more of this section

(2.1) Recommended dosage: 25 mg (one tablet) taken orally once daily with food. (2.2) Renal Impairment: VEMLIDY is not recommended in patients with estimated creatinine clearance below 15 mL per minute who are not receiving chronic hemodialysis. In patients on chronic hemodialysis, on hemodialysis days, administer VEMLIDY after hemodialysis. (2.3) Hepatic Impairment: VEMLIDY is not recommended in patients with decompensated (Child-Pugh B or C) hepatic impairment. (2.4) 2.1 Testing Prior to Initiation of VEMLIDY Prior to initiation of VEMLIDY, patients should be tested for HIV-1 infection. VEMLIDY alone should not be used in patients with HIV-1 infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Prior to or when initiating VEMLIDY, and during treatment with VEMLIDY on a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Adults and Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 25 kg The recommended dosage of VEMLIDY in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 25 kg is one 25 mg tablet taken orally once daily with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 2.3 Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment No dosage adjustment of VEMLIDY is required in patients with estimated creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 15 mL per minute, or in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD; estimated creatinine clearance below 15 mL per minute) who are receiving chronic hemodialysis. On days of hemodialysis, administer VEMLIDY after completion of hemodialysis treatment. VEMLIDY is not recommended in patients with ESRD who are not receiving chronic hemodialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. No data are available to make dose recommendations in pediatric patients with renal impairment. 2.4 Dosage in Patients with Hepatic Impairment No dosage adjustment of VEMLIDY is required in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A). VEMLIDY is not recommended in patients with decompensated (Child-Pugh B or C) hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

— FDA label: Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tenofovir alafenamide in pregnancy

Quoted from the pregnancy part of the FDA-approved label. Ask your doctor before you take any medicine while pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to VEMLIDY during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263.

Read more of this section

Risk Summary Available data from the APR show no statistically significant difference in the overall risk of birth defects for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) compared with the background rate for major birth defects of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) (see Data). The rate of miscarriage is not reported in the APR. The estimated background rate of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population is 15% to 20%. In animal studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed when tenofovir alafenamide was administered during the period of organogenesis at exposure equal to or 51 times (rats and rabbits, respectively) the tenofovir alafenamide exposure at the recommended daily dose of VEMLIDY (see Data). No adverse effects were observed in the offspring when TDF was administered through lactation at tenofovir exposures of approximately 12 times the exposure at the recommended daily dosage of VEMLIDY. Data Human Data Based on prospective reports to the APR of over 1330 exposures to TAF-containing regimens during pregnancy resulting in live births (including over 1080 exposed in the first trimester and over 240 exposed in the second/third trimester), the prevalence of birth defects in live births was 3.9% (95% CI: 2.8% to 5.2%) and 4.8% (95% CI: 2.5% to 8.3%) following first and second/third trimester exposure, respectively, to TAF-containing regimens. Methodologic limitations of the APR include the use of MACDP as the external comparator group. The MACDP population is not disease-specific, evaluates women and infants from a limited geographic area, and does not include outcomes for births that occurred at less than 20 weeks gestation. Animal Data Embryonic fetal development studies performed in rats and rabbits revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. The embryo-fetal NOAELs (no observed adverse effect level) in rats and rabbits occurred at tenofovir alafenamide exposures similar to and 51 times higher than, respectively, the exposure in humans at the recommended daily dose. Tenofovir alafenamide is rapidly converted to tenofovir; the observed tenofovir exposure in rats and rabbits were 54 (rats) and 85 (rabbits) times higher than human tenofovir exposures at the recommended daily dose. Tenofovir alafenamide was administered orally to pregnant rats (25, 100, or 250 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day) through organogenesis (on gestation days 6 through 17, and 7 through 20, respectively). No adverse embryo-fetal effects were observed in rats and rabbits at tenofovir alafenamide exposures approximately similar to (rats) and 51 (rabbits) times higher than the exposure in humans at the recommended daily dose of VEMLIDY.

— FDA label: Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tenofovir alafenamide overdose

Quoted from the “Overdosage” section of the FDA-approved label. If someone may have taken too much, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (or 911 in an emergency).

If overdose occurs, monitor patient for evidence of toxicity. Treatment of overdosage with VEMLIDY consists of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs as well as observation of the clinical status of the patient. Tenofovir is efficiently removed by hemodialysis with an extraction coefficient of approximately 54%.

— FDA label: Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Forms and how it is given

Same medicine, other forms and combinations

Prescription medicine pages on this site that share an active ingredient with this one, from the FDA NDC Directory. A combination is a different medicine: ask your pharmacist before you switch.

Other medicines that contain Tenofovir alafenamide

• Bictegravir sodium, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarateBiktarvy · 4 products
• Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamideDescovy · 2 products
• Darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamideSymtuza · 1 product
• Elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamideGenvoya · 1 product
• Emtricitabine, rilpivirine hydrochloride, and tenofovir alafenamideOdefsey · 1 product

Companies that list this medicine

Labelers in the FDA NDC Directory: the company named on the package (maker or distributor), with the number of prescription products.

• Gilead Sciences, Inc.1 product

FDA approval history

• NDA: New Drug Application: how a new (usually brand-name) medicine is approved.

Shortage status

The FDA drug shortage list does not show these products.

FDA Drug Shortages database →

Recalls

No recall linked to these products (by their NDC code) appears in the FDA enforcement reports.

Official identifiers

Next steps

• Find a pharmacy near youAsk which price applies to you and whether your product is affected by a recall
• Latest FDA drug recallsAll medicines, newest first
• Gilead Sciences, Inc.Maker or distributor
• All prescription drugs A to ZSearch by generic, brand or Spanish name

Sources

1. FDA-approved label on DailyMed (National Library of Medicine) — Vemlidy, Gilead Sciences, Inc., effective July 14, 2025; via openFDA, FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
2. NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
3. Drugs@FDA (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
4. Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
5. Drug shortages (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026

openFDA data is provided by the FDA as is; it may be incomplete. Always rely on the label that comes with your medicine. FDA Enforcement Report search →

Report an error → · Information for medicine makers