Adefovir
Brand names: Hepsera®
Chemical formula:
- Español:
- Tabletas de adefovir
Adefovir tablets
What are Adefovir tablets?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or AIDS
• kidney disease
• other liver disease
• an unusual reaction to adefovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Take adefovir tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. If adefovir upsets your stomach, you can take it with food. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with Adefovir?
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• cyclosporine
• ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• metformin
• tacrolimus
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Adefovir?
Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional. Tell your prescriber or health care professional at once if you have nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe stomach pain. Some people have worsening of hepatitis after stopping adefovir therapy. Do not stop taking adefovir unless your prescriber instructs you to.
Adefovir will not cure hepatitis B infection and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking adefovir does not reduce the risk of passing hepatitis B infection to others through sexual or blood contact. Do not have sexual contact without protection; talk to your health care professional about practicing 'safe sex', such as using condoms. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or other personal items that might have contact with blood. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.
Your prescriber may talk to you about being tested for the HIV virus prior to starting or during treatment with adefovir for hepatitis B. The use of adefovir can cause resistance to certain HIV medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Adefovir?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• dark yellow or brown urine
• dizziness
• fever, chills, or frequent sore throat
• not passing urine as often as usual
• passing out or fainting
• severe diarrhea
• skin rash
• slow or irregular heart beat
• unusual muscle pain
• unusual weakness, fatigue, or discomfort
• unusual stomach pain or discomfort
• vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• headache
• heartburn or indigestion
• itching
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• stomach gas or fullness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 1/13/2004 1:57:00 PM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
