Adefovir Dipivoxil


DNX1208.HTM

Adefovir Dipivoxil (By mouth)
Adefovir Dipivoxil

Treats chronic (ongoing) hepatitis B. This is an antiviral medicine.

Brand Name(s):Hepsera
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to adefovir.

How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other medicines that may be hard on your kidneys, such as a cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), tacrolimus (Prograf®), an antibiotic (such as gentamicin, streptomycin, vancomycin, Garamycin®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as diclofenac, etodolac, indomethacin, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Relafen®, Voltaren®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease, HIV or AIDS, other liver disease such as cirrhosis, or have ever had kidney problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had a liver transplant.
  • You may need to have a test for HIV/AIDS before you start using this medicine. Adefovir is related to medicines used to treat AIDS. Using adefovir now may cause AIDS medicines to not work. Tell your doctor any time you think you have been exposed to HIV or AIDS.
  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, because your hepatitis may get worse. After stopping this medicine, your doctor will need to check your progress for several weeks to several months.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • This medicine will not keep you from giving hepatitis B to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has hepatitis B. Do not share needles with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
  • Rapid breathing or trouble breathing.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Skin itching or rash.
  • Mild stomach upset, gas, or diarrhea.
  • Mild weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.