Adefovir
Pronounced
"a-DEF-oh-vir dip-ih-VOX-il"
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.
Warning
Severe worsening of hepatitis (rarely including death) has occurred when treatment with adefovir dipivoxil is stopped. When you are instructed to stop taking this medication, your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of worsening hepatitis. If you are instructed to stop taking this medication, be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments after you stop taking this drug.
Rarely, severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood acid-base balance problems (lactic acidosis) have occurred in patients (especially if overweight) while using similar types of medication (nucleoside analogs such as didanosine or stavudine). Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual weakness/tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, drowsiness, muscle aches/weakness, fast/difficult breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
In patients with kidney disease, adefovir dipivoxil can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
If you get or have HIV infection that is not being treated with medication, adefovir dipivoxil may cause your HIV infection to become untreatable with the usual HIV drugs (development of HIV resistance). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
How to Use This Medication
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.
Store & manage your medication list
Medication pricing updates
Import medication from your pharmacy
Pill & refill reminders
Medication journal & mood log