Vemlidy (Tenofovir alafenamide)

Do’s

• Before initiating treatment with Vemlidy, your healthcare provider should test you for HIV infection. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B infections, Vemlidy should not be used alone, as it may complicate the management of your HIV infection. Combination drug treatment is recommended for HIV infection.
• Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting Vemlidy and each time you refill your prescription. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Take Vemlidy orally with food as directed by your healthcare provider. Typically, it is taken once daily. 
• If you are on dialysis, on your dialysis days, take your daily dose of Vemlidy following dialysis.
• The dosage of Vemlidy is determined based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and any other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• To maximize the effectiveness of Vemlidy, take it at evenly spaced intervals. Establish a routine by taking it at the same time every day to help you remember.
• If you vomit within 1 hour after taking a dose of Vemlidy, take another dose of the medication.

Don’ts

• If vomiting occurs more than 1 hour after taking your dose, do not take another dose. Instead, take your next dose at the regular time.
• Do not exceed or reduce the prescribed dosage of Vemlidy or discontinue it without your healthcare provider's guidance. Deviating from the prescribed regimen may worsen the infection or lead to treatment resistance and exacerbate side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Tiredness
• Upset stomach
• Rash
• Pruritus (itching)
• Nausea 

These common side effects typically improve over time. Consult a healthcare provider if any of them persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects:

• New or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure
• Insomnia 
• Skin-related issue

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have any concerns about the side effects of Vemlidy or experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medication, seek guidance from your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

Vemlidy alone should not be used in patients with HIV-1 infection. The safety and efficacy of Vemlidy have not been established in HBV/HIV-1 coinfected patients. HIV antibody testing should be offered to all HBV-infected patients before initiating therapy with Vemlidy. If positive, an appropriate antiretroviral combination regimen recommended for HBV/HIV-1 coinfected patients should be used.

Prior to or when initiating Vemlidy, and during treatment, healthcare providers should assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, serum phosphorus should also be assessed. Regular monitoring of hepatic function with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months is recommended in patients who discontinue anti-hepatitis B therapy, including Vemlidy. Resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted if appropriate.

Discontinuation of anti-hepatitis B therapy, including Vemlidy, may result in severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B. Hepatic function should be closely monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue anti-hepatitis B therapy. If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how Vemlidy works. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new medicine and inquire about its safety when taken with Vemlidy.

If you have ever had hepatitis B, undergoing frequent liver function tests for several months is necessary. 

The information provided here is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare providers. Always consult them before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.