Uses
This medication is used to treat a chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis B). It works by slowing the growth of the virus, helping to lower the amount of virus in your body. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the passing of hepatitis B to others.
This medication is a nucleotide analog.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking adefovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to the get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop taking this medication unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Refill your medication before it runs out.
Treatment with adefovir alone is not appropriate for patients infected with both hepatitis B and HIV. An HIV test is recommended both before and during treatment to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Worsening of your condition, decreased response to treatment, or infection by resistant strains of the virus may occur during or after treatment. Tell your doctor right away of any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Weakness, headache, fever, increased cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or gas may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking adefovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- HIV infection
- kidney problems
- liver transplant
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is:
Do not take products that contain tenofovir with this medication.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
To avoid spreading hepatitis B to others, practice "safer sex" and always use an effective barrier method (such as latex condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity. Do not share needles. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, HIV tests) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all lab and medical appointments during and for several months after treatment. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember that day. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store in the original container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
