VIREAD
Used for HIV
NowPatient helps you obtain your VIREAD prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Gilead Sciences
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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VIREAD key facts
What is VIREAD?
VIREAD is the brand name for tenofovir and is available as an oral tablet and powder.
What dosages is VIREAD available in?
VIREAD is available as a 150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, and 300 mg oral tablet and a 40 mg/1 g of oral powder.
What is VIREAD used for?
VIREAD is an antiretroviral that is used for the:
- Treatment of HIV infection – people ages 2 years and older
- Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B – Brand Viread for people ages 2 years and older; generic for people ages 12 years and older
How does VIREAD work?
VIREAD is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works in HIV by inserting itself into the genetic material of the virus. In doing so, it prevents HIV from making copies of itself and spreading. VIREAD also works in HBV by blocking an enzyme (protein) called HBV polymerase that usually helps the virus make copies of itself. By blocking HBV polymerase, VIREAD also stops HBV virus from spreading.
How do I take VIREAD?
VIREAD is typically dose as follows:
- Adults and children who weigh at least 35 kg (77 lb): The typical dose is 300 mg by mouth once daily
- Children 2 years and older who weigh at least 17 kg (37 lbs): The dose will depend on your child’s weight. The typical dose is 8 mg/kg of body weight by mouth daily, up to a maximum of 300 mg
- Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems. VIREAD is also available as a powder to be mixed with soft foods for people who weigh at least 22 lbs and have trouble swallowing tablets
Is it safe for me to take VIREAD?
VIREAD is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
VIREAD Common Side Effects
Common side effects of VIREAD:
- Higher cholesterol levels
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Pain
- Higher creatine kinase (CK) levels, suggesting muscle damage
- Feeling depressed
- Nausea
- Lack of energy
VIREAD Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with VIREAD. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Build up of lactic acid in the blood: feeling more tired and weak, belly pain, muscle pain, breathing problems
Serious kidney problems: tiredness, confusion, nausea, urinating less than usual, swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, joint pain, bone pain - Serious liver problems: nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, pain in the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on VIREAD
The following medications may interact with VIREAD:
- VIREAD increases didanosine concentrations. Dose reduction and close monitoring for didanosine toxicity are warranted
- Coadministration decreases atazanavir concentrations. When coadministered with VIREAD, use atazanavir given with ritonavir
- Coadministration of VIREAD with certain HIV-1 protease inhibitors or certain drugs to treat HCV increases tenofovir concentrations. Monitor for evidence of tenofovir toxicity
- Consult Full Prescribing Information prior to and during treatment for important drug interactions
Who makes VIREAD?
Gilead Sciences
Is VIREAD safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if VIREAD will harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take VIREAD while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to VIREAD during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the
Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my VIREAD prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your VIREAD prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient VIREAD savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient VIREAD savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for VIREAD | Canadian Prescription Savings* for VIREAD | VIREAD Drug Coupon* | VIREAD Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of VIREAD?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for VIREAD | Canadian Prescription Savings* for VIREAD | VIREAD Drug Coupon* | VIREAD Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the VIREAD savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the VIREAD drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for VIREAD, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the VIREAD prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, VIREAD is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed VIREAD for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the VIREAD prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the VIREAD prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for VIREAD
If you are having trouble paying for your VIREAD medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for VIREAD you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- VIREAD is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers VIREAD
- If VIREAD is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for VIREAD
If you are having trouble paying for your VIREAD medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for VIREAD you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers VIREAD
- If VIREAD is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for VIREAD
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your VIREAD treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for VIREAD you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for VIREAD
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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