Ricovir 300 mg Tablet

Name:

Ricovir 300 mg Tablet

Category:

Antiviral / Antiretroviral – NRTI (Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor)

Prescription Status:

Prescription Only Medicine (POM)

Active Ingredient:

• Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate – 300 mg

Uses:

• In combination therapy for HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents

• Monotherapy for chronic hepatitis B infection

How It Works:

Tenofovir is converted in the body to an active form that blocks reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV and HBV need to multiply. This reduces the amount of virus in the body.

Dosage:

• Adults: 300 mg once daily, with or without food

• Renal impairment: Dose adjustment needed if kidney function is reduced (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min)

• Do not stop abruptly without medical advice

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence

• Headache, dizziness, fatigue

• Rash, sleep disturbances

Serious Risks (Monitor Closely):

• Kidney damage or renal impairment (especially with long-term use)

• Bone mineral loss or osteoporosis

• Lactic acidosis (rare) – symptoms: muscle pain, weakness, fast breathing

• Liver enlargement with fat accumulation (steatosis)

Precautions:

• Monitor renal function, bone density, and liver enzymes regularly

• Use with caution in patients with pre-existing kidney disease

• Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly necessary

• May cause dizziness – avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you

• Must be used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs when treating HIV

Storage:

• Store below 30°C in a dry place

• Keep out of reach of children