Prescription Required
Description
Hepsera is a nucleotide analog tablet made up of adefovir dipivoxil. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 10mg.
Hepsera is a medication used to treat a liver disease known as chronic hepatitis B (HBV). HBV is most commonly contracted at birth when the mother giving birth is infected or while having unprotected sex, as HBV travels through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluids. This is not a medication used to cure HBV, only to help heal you faster. Most HBV patients fully recover, as HBV can go away by itself in 4 – 8 weeks, however about 1 in 20 people who get hepatitis B end up with chronic, long lasting HBV.
Adefovir dipivoxil is effective in treating hepatitis B due to its ability to lower the amount of HBV virus in your body and slowing the growth of the virus.
Directions
Follow only the directions given to you by your doctor or health care professional.
Take a 10mg tablet once a day for the treatment of HBV. You may take this medication with or without food.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from. Ensure you do not miss a dose by using a pillbox and taking the medication at the same time every day.
Do not increase or decrease your dose unless you have consulted your doctor beforehand.
Cautions
Some medical conditions as well as medications to treat those conditions shouldn’t be mixed with Hepsera (adefovir dipivoxil) as they can cause unwanted adverse interactions and sometimes be fatal. Tell your doctor about all past medical conditions as well as all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over the counter, herbal supplements and vitamins, to determine if this medication is right for you.
Hepsera is not a medication effective in protecting from transmission of the disease; ensure you are using birth control when having sexual intercourse and other precautions to avoid spreading the disease.
Hepsera may cause an HIV resistance; if you have untreated HIV or contract HIV during the treatment of Hepsera, your HIV may become harder to treat and control. Ensure you treat your HIV as soon as possible before or during the treatment of Hepsera.
Kidney problems have been linked to Hepsera; using this medication (especially in those who already have risk factors of reduced kidney function) may cause kidney problems to occur and doses may need longer intervals in between.
This medication may cause lactic acidosis; a serious condition in which a buildup of lactic acid has formed in the body.
This medication should not be taken by those who are pregnancy; however, your doctor may make an exception if the benefit outweighs the risk.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk; avoid breast feeding while using this medication.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Hepsera (adefovir dipivoxil) may include:
diarrhea; gas; headache; indigestion; nausea; skin rash or itching; stomach pain; or weakness.
The above side effects should not alarm you; however, if they begin to worry you or become unmanageable, contact your doctor.
Signs to watch for:
liver problems: yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea, lower stomach pain.
lactic acidosis: unusual weakness or tiredness, unusual muscle pain, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, feeling cold especially in the arms and legs, dizziness or lightheadedness, fast or irregular heartbeat.
FAQs
Is this medication safe for the use in children?
Yes. This medication may be used in patients 12 years and older.
What type of drugs should I avoid while using Hepsera?
Avoid the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, products that contain tenofovir, and a drug called cidofovir. This is not a complete list of drug interactions.
How should I store this medication?
Store this product in the original container; protect it from heat, light and moisture. Do not keep this medication in the bathroom where it risks getting wet. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Hepsera has given me a headache and has been making me nauseous. What can I do to subside these side effects?
Stick to light and simple meals while avoiding fatty or spicy food to help with the nausea, and drink plenty of water to battle the headache, you may also ask your pharmacist for a suitable painkiller.
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