LuciTeno 25mg, Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets

Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF), a new prodrug of tenofovir, is present in the pharmaceutical formulation LuciTeno 25mg. It is mostly used in the treatment of HIV-1 and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, frequently in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy (ART). LuciTeno represents a significant advancement over earlier forms of tenofovir due to its enhanced delivery, efficacy, and safety profile, especially in terms of renal and bone health.

What Is LuciTeno 25mg?

LuciTeno 25mg contains Tenofovir Alafenamide, an antiviral agent that falls under the category of nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is a prodrug, meaning it becomes pharmacologically active after being metabolized inside the body. TAF reduces systemic exposure and minimizes negative effects by more effectively delivering the active metabolite tenofovir diphosphate into HIV-infected cells at lower doses.

How It Works / Mechanism of Action

Tenofovir Alafenamide inhibits the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme critical for the replication of both HIV and HBV. Once inside the body, LuciTeno is metabolized into tenofovir, which is subsequently phosphorylated to tenofovir diphosphate. This active compound competes with the virus’s natural substrates, leading to premature termination of viral DNA synthesis.

Key points in the mechanism:

• Selective accumulation in target cells (HIV-infected lymphocytes and HBV-infected hepatocytes)
• Lower plasma concentrations, reducing side effects
• High potency even at lower doses compared to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF)

How to Use / Indications

Indications for LuciTeno 25mg:

• Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) – As monotherapy in adults and adolescents (12 years and older with ≥25 kg weight).
• HIV-1 Infection – Usually in combination with other antiretrovirals. TAF is included in many fixed-dose combinations rather than used alone in HIV treatment.

Important Consideration:

• Confirm HBV or HIV status before starting therapy.
• Because of the potential for resistance development, it is not recommended for use as HIV-1 monotherapy.

How to Take / Dosage

Standard Dosage:

For HBV: LuciTeno 25mg once daily, with or without food.

For HIV-1: Usually part of a fixed-dose combination, not as standalone TAF unless in special clinical situations.

Instructions:

• Swallow whole with water.
• Adherence to daily dosing is crucial to prevent resistance and ensure effectiveness.
• Do not double the dose if missed—take the next dose at the regular time.

Other Dosage Forms

While LuciTeno is available as a 25mg single-ingredient tablet, Tenofovir Alafenamide is more commonly found in fixed-dose combination products such as:

• Descovy (TAF + Emtricitabine)
• Genvoya, Biktarvy, Odefsey, etc.
• These combinations offer complete or partial regimens for HIV-1 and are formulated to improve compliance.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Less Common But Serious Side Effects:

• Lactic acidosis
• Hepatomegaly with steatosis
• Renal impairment (less common with TAF than TDF)
• Bone density reduction (also less likely than with TDF)

Long-term Monitoring:

• Renal function (especially in patients with kidney disease)
• Liver enzymes and HBV viral load
• Bone mineral density in at-risk populations

Storage

• Store below 30°C (86°F).
• Keep in the original container to protect from moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiration date printed on the package.

Benefits

• Improved Safety Profile: Compared to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), LuciTeno (TAF) has less renal toxicity and less bone mineral loss.
• High Potency at Low Dose: Effective at a 10-fold lower dose than TDF with equal or superior efficacy.
• Targeted Action: Delivers higher intracellular concentrations of the active drug where it is most needed (HIV/HBV-infected cells).
• Once-Daily Dosing: Convenient regimen promotes adherence and reduces pill burden.
• Use in Co-Infections: beneficial for people who have both HIV and HBV.

Prescription

LuciTeno 25mg is a prescription-only medicine, and its use should be based on:

• Confirmed diagnosis of HBV or HIV
• Consideration of patient’s renal, liver, and bone health
• Monitoring of viral load and resistance patterns
• It should be initiated by a healthcare provider experienced in managing viral infections, particularly HIV or HBV.

Drug Interactions

LuciTeno (Tenofovir Alafenamide) has fewer drug interactions than its predecessor TDF but should still be used with caution:

Avoid co-administration with:

• P-glycoprotein inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John’s Wort) – may decrease TAF levels.
• Certain anticonvulsants, antimycobacterials, and herbal supplements.

Caution with:

• Other nephrotoxic agents (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides)
• Combination with HIV protease inhibitors should be evaluated case by case.
• Always provide a complete medication history to your physician before starting LuciTeno.

FAQs

Can LuciTeno cure hepatitis B?

No, it controls the virus but does not cure it. Lifelong therapy may be required.

Can it be used in children?

Approved for adolescents ≥12 years with body weight ≥25 kg. Not approved for younger children unless under clinical guidance.

Does it affect kidneys or bones?

Compared to TDF, LuciTeno has reduced impact on kidneys and bones.

Conclusion

LuciTeno 25mg (Tenofovir Alafenamide) represents a new-generation treatment in the management of chronic hepatitis B and HIV-1 infection. With its potent antiviral action, superior safety profile, and improved intracellular targeting, it is considered a first-line therapy in many treatment guidelines. While not curative, it provides long-term viral suppression, improved quality of life, and reduced risk of liver and immune system damage. Always use LuciTeno under proper medical guidance, ensuring routine follow-up and monitoring to achieve optimal results.