Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-related toxicity: A case of Fanconi syndrome
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an antiviral drug commonly used in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B virus infections. Although considered usually safe, its most important side effects are nephrotoxicity and osteopenia. Fanconi syndrome, affecting the proximal renal tubule and characterised by hypophosphatemia besides multiple other metabolic abnormalities, is a rare adverse effect of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
We reported a case of Fanconi syndrome who presented with vague symptoms, a decade after being on Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate based therapy, and partially recovered after changing the drug.1
Tenofovir alafenamide, a different prodrug of Tenofovir is less prone to damage the proximal renal tubule and may be a costlier but safer alternative.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/JMID.2023.v13.i4.5