Comprehensive medication guide to Tenofovir Alafenamide including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$75 copay with commercial insurance; prior authorization and step therapy through TDF may be required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$1,500–$1,800/month for brand Vemlidy (30 tablets); no US generic available yet. Gilead's co-pay program may reduce cost to $0 for eligible patients.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF), sold under the brand name Vemlidy, is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older weighing at least 25 kg with compensated liver disease. It is manufactured by Gilead Sciences.
TAF is a newer, improved prodrug of tenofovir that delivers the active drug more efficiently to target cells, allowing a lower dose with fewer kidney and bone side effects compared to the older formulation, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF/Viread). TAF is also a key component in several combination HIV treatment and prevention medications.
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Tenofovir Alafenamide belongs to a class of drugs called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs). After you take the tablet, TAF is absorbed and converted inside your cells into its active form, tenofovir diphosphate. This active metabolite works by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase that the hepatitis B virus needs to copy its genetic material. By incorporating itself into the viral DNA chain and causing premature termination, TAF stops the virus from replicating.
Compared to the older prodrug TDF, TAF reaches higher concentrations in liver cells and lymphoid tissue while maintaining lower levels in the blood, which is why it causes fewer kidney and bone-related side effects.
25 mg oral tablet (Vemlidy) — tablet
the only standalone TAF formulation available. Taken once daily with food.
Tenofovir Alafenamide (brand name Vemlidy) scores a 55 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate. While there is no active FDA shortage for the standalone product, Vemlidy is a specialty medication that is not stocked at every pharmacy. Some pharmacies may need to special-order it, and TAF-containing combination products have experienced intermittent supply disruptions. If your local pharmacy doesn't have it, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy with Vemlidy in stock near you.
Tenofovir Alafenamide is typically prescribed by:
Telehealth appointments are available for ongoing management and prescription refills in many cases.
No, Tenofovir Alafenamide is not a controlled substance. It has no abuse potential and is not scheduled by the DEA. It can be prescribed with standard prescriptions and refills without the restrictions that apply to controlled medications.
Most side effects of Tenofovir Alafenamide are mild. The most commonly reported include:
⚠️ Boxed Warning: Discontinuation of Tenofovir Alafenamide may result in severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's guidance. Your liver function must be closely monitored for at least several months after discontinuation.
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Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF/Viread)
the older prodrug of tenofovir; effective but associated with more kidney and bone side effects
Entecavir (Baraclude)
a nucleoside analog with high potency and a high barrier to resistance; a common first-line alternative
Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV)
an older, inexpensive option but with higher rates of drug resistance over time
Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera)
an older nucleotide analog; less commonly used today due to resistance and toxicity concerns
Prefer Tenofovir Alafenamide? We can find it.
P-glycoprotein inducers
moderate(Rifampin, Rifabutin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin) — can significantly decrease TAF blood levels and reduce effectiveness
St. John's Wort
moderatemay substantially reduce TAF levels; avoid concurrent use
Aminoglycosides
moderateincreased risk of kidney damage when used together
High-dose or multiple NSAIDs
moderateincreased risk of renal impairment
Other nephrotoxic agents
moderatemay worsen kidney side effects
Tenofovir Alafenamide (Vemlidy) is a well-tolerated, effective treatment for chronic hepatitis B that offers significant safety advantages over its predecessor TDF. While the brand-name price is high at $1,500–$1,800 per month, Gilead's co-pay assistance and patient access programs can bring the cost down to $0 for many eligible patients.
As a specialty medication, Vemlidy may not be stocked at every pharmacy. If you're having trouble finding it, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy with Tenofovir Alafenamide in stock near you. Never stop taking this medication without medical supervision due to the risk of hepatitis B flare-ups.
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