WHO SHOULD TAKE TENOFOVIR?
Tenofovir was approved in 2001 as an antiretroviral drug (ARV) for people with HIV infection. It has not been carefully studied in people younger than 18 or older than age 65. In US treatment guidelines (see fact sheet 404), tenofovir is listed as a preferred drug for people just starting ART. There are no absolute rules about when to start ART. You and your health care provider should consider your CD4 cell count, your any symptoms you are having, and your attitude about taking ARVs. Fact Sheet 404 has more information about guidelines for the use of ARVs. Be sure to let your health care provider know if you have any kidney problems. People with kidney damage may need to take a reduced dose of tenofovir. If you take tenofovir with other ARVs, you can reduce your viral load to extremely low levels, and increase your CD4 cell counts. This should mean staying healthier longer. Tenofovir may also help control Hepatitis B (see fact sheet 506). However, Hep B got much worse in some people w
