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Adefovir

Generical name: Adefovir [A-DEF-oh vir [ a-DEF-oh-vir
Name of the brand: Hepsera
Dosage format: Oral tablet (10 mg)
Drug class: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

What is Adefovir?

Adefovir is a medicine that fights viruses and is prescribed to cure the chronic infection of hepatitis B in children and adults who are at least 12 years old. Adefovir isn't the cure for persistent hepatitis B. Adefovir is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Adefovir

See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue. Mild signs of lactic acidosis could get worse over time, and the condition may be fatal. Seek medical attention immediately when you experience unusual muscle

pain, breathing difficulties, stomach pains, vomiting, dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, a cold, or feeling extremely tired or weak. Adefovir may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:

  • Kidney problems: no or little urine output, swelling of your ankles and feet, and feeling exhausted or sluggish; or

  • Liver issues liver issues: nausea and decreased appetite abdominal discomfort (upper right side) Dark urinary tract; jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Common adverse effects of adefovir could include:

  • Stomach pain, Nausea;

  • Insufficiency 

  • Headache.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

It is possible that you will have to undergo a test for the presence of HIV before you begin taking Adefovir. Consult your physician if you are exposed to HIV or are suffering from untreated HIV or AIDS.

Contact your physician immediately. If you are experiencing liver-related symptoms like right-sided stomach nausea, pain, or loss of appetite, bloody urine, or a discoloration of your skin or eyes.

Adefovir may cause kidney damage, particularly if you have kidney issues or are taking certain medications.

There is a chance that you will be diagnosed with an illness called lactic acidosis. This is an extremely dangerous accumulation of the acid lactate inside your blood. Contact your physician or seek urgent medical assistance when you experience an unusually painful muscle, difficulty breathing, stomach dizziness, pain, or feeling tired or weak.

Hepatitis B could develop or become more severe after stopping Adefovir. You could require regular tests of your liver's function for some time.

Before you Take this Drug

 

It is not recommended to take adefovir if you have an allergy to it.

It is not recommended to take adefovir in conjunction with a medicine that has the drug tenofovir (Atripla, Biktarvy, Cimduo, Complera, Delstrigo, Descovy, Genvoya, Stribild, Symfi, Truvada, or Viread).

Inform your doctor if you suffer from kidney disease or are taking dialysis.

Discuss with your physician if you are exposed to HIV or have not been treated for HIV or AIDS. Treatment for chronic hepatitis B could cause HIV infections to develop resistance to conventional HIV and AIDS treatment. It is possible that you will require testing for HIV prior to starting to take the drug adefovir.

It is possible to be diagnosed with the condition known as lactic acidosis, an extremely dangerous buildup of lactic acids within your blood. It is more likely in the event of any other medical condition, if you've used antiviral medicine for a prolonged period of time, or if you're a female. Talk to your doctor about your chances of being at risk.

Consult your physician if you are nursing or pregnant. If you are expecting and are a nurse, your name could be added to the registry for pregnancy to monitor what effects adefovir has on the infant.

Adefovir is not recommended for use by anyone less than 12 years old.

How to Take Adefovir?

Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.

Use the medicine every day, whether with or without meals.

Do not alter your dosage or stop taking adefovir unless on the advice of your physician.

You'll need to take regular medical tests.

Keep the tablets at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Store the tablets in their original containers together with the package or container of preservative to prevent moisture absorption.

Hepatitis B can be active or worsen during the time following the last dose of adefovir. It is possible that you will require frequent tests of your liver function while using this medication and for a period of time following the last dose.

Details On Dosage 

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Hepatitis B:

10 mg taken orally, once a day

Time of treatment: the maximum duration is not known.

Comments:

indication based on histological, virological, biochemical, and serological responses in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B with compensated liver function and with clinical evidence of lamivudine-resistant HBV with compensated or decompensated liver function.

Use: To treat persistent HBV-infected patients with evidence of active replication and/or the presence of persistent levels of serum aminotransferase (ALT or AST) elevations or histologically active disease.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Hepatitis B:

12 years old or more: 10 mg taken orally every day, once

Therapy duration: The maximum duration has not been established.

Comments:

Indications based upon biochemical and virological responses in patients suffering from HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection that has compensated liver function

Use: To treat chronic HBV infections in people who have evidence of active viral replication or any evidence of persisting levels of serum aminotransferase (ALT or AST) elevations or histologically active disease.

What Happens If I Miss the Dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

Refill your prescription prior to the time that you are out of medication completely.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. 

What Should be Avoided?

Adefovir does not stop the spread of your illness. Don't engage in sexual activity that is not protected or share toothbrushes or razors. Discuss with your physician safe methods to avoid transmission during sexual contact. Sharing needles for medicine or drugs is never a good idea, even for a healthy individual.

Interaction with Other Drugs 

Adefovir may cause kidney damage, particularly when you are also taking specific medications for cancer, infections, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, digestive problems, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other medications may interact with the effects of adefovir, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking and any medications you begin or stop taking.