What is Hepsera (adefovir)?
Adefovir is an antiviral medication. It works by preventing viral cells from multiplying in the body and infecting new liver cells.
Adefovir is used to treat chronic hepatitis B in adults. This medicine will not cure hepatitis.
Adefovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take Hepsera (adefovir)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take adefovir with a full glass of water.
Adefovir may be taken with or without food.
It is important to use adefovir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested.
Your liver symptoms may become severe after you stop taking adefovir, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function on a regular basis for several months after you stop using adefovir. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If your condition worsens after you stop taking adefovir, your doctor may recommend that you restart this medication or another treatment for hepatitis B.
While taking adefovir, you should remain under the care of a doctor.
Store adefovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of an adefovir overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach problems.
What should I avoid while taking Hepsera (adefovir)?
Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing hepatitis B to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing hepatitis transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
Hepsera (adefovir) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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urinating less than usual or not at all;
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muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (may occur several weeks or months after you start taking adefovir);
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numbness or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, nausea with vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, and feeling light-headed or fainting; or
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nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
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mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or stomach pain;
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skin rash or itching;
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weakness; or
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headache
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