Hepatic and Renal Safety Profile of Tenofovir in HIV-Infected Patients with Hepatitis C, Including Patients on Interferon Plus Ribavirin

Abstract

The liver safety of tenofovir (TDF) was investigated in 142 HIV+ patients exposed to the drug for longer than 12 months. No evidence of liver enzyme elevations were seen, even in 66 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection. Given that TDF is an adenosine analogue, like didanosine, exposure to ribavirin might increase intracellular phosphorylated TDF metabolites, which could result in a higher risk of nephrotoxicity. Signs of tubular dysfunction in blood or urine were not recognized in 17 HCV-HIV co-infected patients exposed to TDF during interferon plus ribavirin therapy.