What is Adefovir Dipivoxil: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Adefovir Dipivoxil overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Hepsera

Generic Names:

  • Adefovir Dipivoxil

Uses:

  • Treats chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection. This is an antiviral medicine.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiviral

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Adefovir Dipivoxil used for?

Hepsera is an antiviral medicine that comes in capsule form. It is used as a treatment for chronic hepatitis B in persons who are 12 years of age or older. Hepsera works by preventing viral cells from multiplying in the body. It is not a cure for chronic hepatitis B.

What form(s) does Adefovir Dipivoxil come in

  • Tablet

What are common Adefovir Dipivoxil doses?

  • Tablet 10MG

Common Adefovir Dipivoxil prescriptions

  • Adefovir Dipivoxil
    10mg tablet

How to take Adefovir Dipivoxil

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • It is important that you do not miss any doses of this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacy when your supply of this medicine runs low. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • It is important that you do not miss any doses of this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacy when your supply of this medicine runs low. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Adefovir Dipivoxil

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Adefovir Dipivoxil contraindications

  • Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to adefovir.

Adefovir Dipivoxil warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, HIV or AIDS, or other liver disease such as cirrhosis. Tell your doctor if you have had a liver transplant.

  • You may need to have a test for HIV/AIDS before you start using this medicine. Adefovir is related to medicines used to treat AIDS. AIDS medicines may not work if you have used adefovir. Tell your doctor any time you think you have been exposed to HIV or AIDS.

  • Call your doctor right away if you feel very tired, weak, or nauseated, if you vomit or have trouble breathing, or if your skin or eyes turn yellow. These may be symptoms of lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood) and an enlarged liver, which are rare but serious reactions to this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving hepatitis B to your partner during sex. Make sure you practice safe sex, even if your partner also has hepatitis B. Do not share needles with anyone.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness

Adefovir Dipivoxil interactions

  • You should not use this medicine if you also use tenofovir (Viread®) or medicines that contain tenofovir (such as Atripla®, Complera®, Stribild„¢, or Truvada®).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you also use cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), tacrolimus (Prograf®), an antibiotic (such as amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, vancomycin, Garamycin®, Vancocin®), or an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Voltaren®).

  • Call your doctor right away if you feel very tired, weak, or nauseated, if you vomit or have trouble breathing, or if your skin or eyes turn yellow. These may be symptoms of lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood) and an enlarged liver, which are rare but serious reactions to this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving hepatitis B to your partner during sex. Make sure you practice safe sex, even if your partner also has hepatitis B. Do not share needles with anyone.

Adefovir Dipivoxil side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Muscle pain or cramping

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, yellow skin or eyes

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild weakness

  • Mild stomach pain