Medication
Are TDF and TAF the same hepatitis B medicine?
TDF and TAF are different antiviral medicines used for chronic hepatitis B. At follow-up, your doctor considers kidney function and the risk of bone disease.
Which name should I check on the box?
The Chinese hepatitis B guideline lists tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) separately. Both suppress hepatitis B virus replication. If your prescription only uses English initials, show your doctor or pharmacist in China the front and back of the pack, the prescription and the strength you are using. [1]
How does the monitoring differ?
| Medicine | Kidney and bone considerations in the guideline | Records to bring |
|---|---|---|
| TDF | Monitor for risks including kidney impairment and bone disease related to low phosphate | Creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate and previous phosphate results. Bring any osteoporosis report |
| TAF | One of the options the Chinese guideline prioritises for assessment when chronic hepatitis B occurs with chronic kidney disease or impaired kidney function | Previous kidney diagnoses, kidney-function trends and the full current prescription |
Whether to change your medicine depends on your history and current tests. Do not switch between TDF and TAF on your own based on the initials. [1]
What else should I bring to renew my prescription?
Bring recent HBV DNA and liver-function results. Arrange earlier results in date order if you have them. HBV DNA helps show whether the virus is suppressed, and tests such as creatinine help assess your kidneys. The Chinese guideline includes these measures in antiviral follow-up. The hospital can check medicine availability and where you can return for follow-up. Your treating doctor decides on the prescription. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my kidney results if HBV DNA is undetectable while taking tenofovir?
Yes. HBV DNA measures viral activity. Kidney results help the doctor assess medication safety. The tests answer different questions. [1]
Need help?
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