Telbivudine
Pronounced
"tel-BI-vyoo-deen"
Uses
Telbivudine is used to treat long-term hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Long-term infection can cause liver damage, rarely liver cancer, and liver failure. Telbivudine helps to decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus in your body. It is an antiviral that belongs to a class of drugs known as hepatitis B virus nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Telbivudine is not a cure for hepatitis B infection, and it does not prevent the spread of the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).
Warning
You may have a serious worsening of hepatitis symptoms if you stop taking this medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping this medication. Your doctor will monitor liver tests for several months after you stop telbivudine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of worsening liver problems (see Side Effects section).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking telbivudine 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.
It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
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