Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis may occur in patients who discontinue adefovir. (See Exacerbations of Hepatitis under Cautions.) Closely monitor hepatic function in such patients.
In patients at risk of or having underlying renal dysfunction, chronic administration of adefovir may result in nephrotoxicity. Closely monitor renal function in such patients; dosage adjustments may be required.
HIV resistance may emerge in chronic HBV patients who have unrecognized or untreated HIV infection. (See Individuals Coinfected with HBV and HIV under Cautions.)
Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (including some fatalities) reported in patients receiving nucleoside analogs. (See Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis under Cautions.)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age 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.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
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 medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine. Blood tests will be used to check your liver function and hepatitis B virus levels.
A worsening of hepatitis can occur after stopping this medicine. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medicine. If you must stop the medicine, follow all the directions of your doctor.
Hepatitis B is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of hepatitis B. This medicine will not cure hepatitis B infection and you can still get other problems associated with your disease or pass hepatitis B to others.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
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.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
