Hi Smart 55,
This was an interesting question. This appears to be a very rare complication of TDF therapy which I happened to find in a report of 9 cases of individuals receiving combination therapy for HIV infection which included TDF that developed neurological symptoms. Switching to combo therapy that did not contain TDF resolved these symptoms in each case.
There is no real biochemical basis that I can think of for this connection however, your tinnitus is real so lets consider the following options:
- First be sure that you have consulted with your doctor about this regarding any other medications that you may be taking. Also be sure there is no other underlying problem which happened to develop at the same time (but not necessarily caused by) your starting TDF.
- Try switching from TDF to TAF. TAF leads to lower systemic exposure of the active metabolite of both these drugs (tenofovir) which may improve your tinnitus.
- Try switching from TDF to ETV.
Hope this helps and good luck.