Children

Tenofovir (Viread) is only approved for use in adults over 18 years of age . A small study of 18 children with substantial treatment experience found that tenofovir-containing antiretroviral treatment regimens brought about modest declines in viral loads and increases in CD4 cell counts. However, a third of the children needed to stop tenofovir after experiencing falls in bone density.1 This was seen in previous studies of infant monkeys.2

In contrast, a small study of HIV-infected children switching from an effective d4T (stavudine, Zerit)-containing regimen to one containing tenofovir found no effect on the bone.3 Further studies are required to determine whether reduced bone density is related to the children’s state of health.

References

  1. Hazra R et al. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and an optimized background regimen of antiretroviral agents as salvage therapy for pediatric HIV infection. Pediatrics 116: e846-e854, 2005
  2. Tarantal AF et al. Administration of 9-[2-(R)-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (PMPA) to gravid and infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): safety and efficacy studies. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol 20: 323-333, 1999
  3. Giacomet V et al. A 12-month treatment with tenofovir does not impair bone mineral accrual in HIV-infected children. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 40: 448-450, 2005
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.