Other Brands/Names

Hepsera

How it Works

Adefovir dipivoxil is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection in patients aged 12 years and older. It works by slowing down the multiplication of the hepatitis B virus and reducing the amount of virus present in the body. While it helps control the infection, adefovir dipivoxil is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the virus from spreading to other people.

Indications

This medication is used to treat long-term or chronic hepatitis B infection, particularly in patients who have cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and ongoing liver inflammation.

Contraindications

• History of allergy or hypersensitivity to adefovir dipivoxil (such as hives or skin rash)

• Breastfeeding women

Side Effects

Possible side effects of adefovir dipivoxil include:

• Weakness

• Headache

• Fever

• Cough

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

If these symptoms continue or get worse, notify your doctor immediately. Although rare, serious allergic reactions may occur. Seek urgent medical care if you experience serious allergic reactions with symptoms including rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Types

This medication is available as tablets, packaged in plastic bottles containing 30 tablets. Each tablet has 10 mg of adefovir dipivoxil.

Dosage

For adults and children with age of 12 years and older, the usual dose is one 10 mg tablet once daily. The dose should not be increased, reduced, or stopped without medical advice.

Safety

Treatment with adefovir dipivoxil requires careful monitoring. Liver function and serology for hepatitis B infection should be checked every 6 months during therapy. Kidney function should be tested every 3 months after treatment is stopped, and liver function should continue to be monitored for several months afterward.

Adefovir dipivoxil is not suitable as a single treatment for patients who have both hepatitis B and HIV infection. HIV testing should be performed before and during treatment to ensure proper therapy. Always consult your doctor for guidance.

Drug Interactions

• May reduce the effect of the antiretroviral drug tenofovir with concurrent use with adefovir dipivoxil.

• Can increase the risk of kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) when combined with nephrotoxic drugs such as:

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics

  • Vancomycin antibiotics

  • Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus

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