Hepsera

 
Generic Name: adefovir

Brands: Hepsera

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What is the most important information I should know about Hepsera?

· Symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen suddenly and severely if treatment with Hepsera is stopped. Monitoring of liver function is recommended if treatment is stopped. Do not stop taking Hepsera or change your dose without first talking to your doctor.

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of medications similar to Hepsera, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; dark urine or light colored stools; weakness or tiredness; shortness of breath; unusual muscle pain; a feeling of being cold, especially in the arms and legs; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast or irregular heartbeats; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious kidney problems (nephrotoxicity) have been reported with the use of Hepsera. Nephrotoxicity may be more likely to occur in people that already have a kidney problem, but it can happen to anyone that takes Hepsera. Your doctor may schedule blood tests to monitor kidney function while taking Hepsera.

· If you get or have HIV or AIDS that is not being treated, Hepsera may increase the chance that the HIV infection will not respond to the usual HIV medicines. Testing for HIV is recommended before starting treatment with Hepsera and during treatment if there is a chance of exposure to the virus.

 

What is Hepsera?

· Hepsera is an antiviral medication. Hepsera prevents replication of the hepatitis B virus in the body.

· Hepsera is used to treat hepatitis B.

· Hepsera may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Hepsera?

· Do not take Hepsera without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease; or     ·HIV or AIDS.

· You may not be able to take Hepsera, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· Hepsera is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Hepsera without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Hepsera passes into breast milk. Do not take Hepsera without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Hepsera?

· Take Hepsera exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Hepsera can be taken with or without food.

· Symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen suddenly and severely if treatment with Hepsera is stopped. Monitoring of liver function is recommended if treatment is stopped. Do not stop taking Hepsera or change your dose without first talking to your doctor.

· Your doctor may want to perform blood tests or other forms of monitoring to evaluate liver and kidney function or other factors during treatment with Hepsera.

· Store Hepsera at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only the dose for that day. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Hepsera overdose may include stomach upset or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

 

What should I avoid while taking Hepsera?

· Hepsera does not prevent spreading of the hepatitis B virus to others. Avoid sharing needles or other injection equipment and personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them such as toothbrushes or razor blades. Condoms should be used during sexual intercourse.

· If you get or have HIV or AIDS that is not being treated, Hepsera may increase the chance that the HIV infection will not respond to the usual HIV medicines. Testing for HIV is recommended before starting treatment with Hepsera and during treatment if there is a chance of exposure to the virus.

 

What are the possible side effects of Hepsera?

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of medications similar to Hepsera, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; dark urine or light colored stools; weakness or tiredness; shortness of breath; unusual muscle pain; a feeling of being cold, especially in the arms and legs; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast or irregular heartbeats; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious kidney problems (nephrotoxicity) have been reported with the use of Hepsera. Nephrotoxicity may be more likely to occur in people that already have a kidney problem, but it can happen to anyone that takes Hepsera. Your doctor may schedule blood tests to monitor kidney function while taking Hepsera.

· If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Hepsera and seek emergency medical attention.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Notify your doctor if you experience     ·nausea;     ·stomach pain;     ·weakness; or     ·headache.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Hepsera?

· Talk to your doctor before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and herbal products, during treatment with Hepsera. Other medicines may interact with Hepsera or affect the kidneys or liver, possibly resulting in side effects.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Hepsera written for health professionals that you may read.

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