Hepsera ratings & reviews

Hepsera contains the active ingredient adefovir dipivoxil, a diester prodrug of adefovir, which is an acyclic nucleotide analog with activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is formulated as a tablet for oral administration, with each tablet containing 10 mg of adefovir dipivoxil. Key inactive ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, starch, and talc. The active ingredient is designed to limit the spread of HBV within the body.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of it unless your care team tells you to stop early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Unusual weakness or fatigue
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• HIV or AIDS
• Kidney disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to adefovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Tenofovir

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain antibiotics given by injection, such as gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, vancomycin
• Cyclosporine
• Dofetilide
• Medications for HIV or AIDS
• Metformin
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Pemetrexed
• Tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

If you have hepatitis B, talk to your care team if you plan to stop this medication. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medication.

Hepatitis B is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of hepatitis B. This medication will not cure hepatitis B infection, and you can still get other problems associated with your disease or pass hepatitis B to others.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

If you get or have HIV that isn't being treated, this medicine may increase the chances your HIV infection cannot be treated with some HIV medicines. You should have an HIV test before starting this medicine and if you think you might have been exposed to HIV after starting it.

This medication may affect how well your kidneys work. Your care team will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your care team. The symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen when you stop taking this medication. Your care team will check your liver and general health after treatment is stopped. You may need to take other medications if your hepatitis flares or returns.

This medicine can cause a serious life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. It can also cause serious liver damage.