Adefovir

Adefovir is used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in patients who have symptoms of the disease. Adefovir is in a class of medications called nucleotide analogs. It works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the body. Adefovir will not cure hepatitis B and may not prevent complications of chronic hepatitis B such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Adefovir may not prevent the spread of hepatitis B to other people.

Adefovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take adefovir at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take adefovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Adefovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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weakness</li>
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headache</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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gas</li>
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indigestion</li>
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cough</li>
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sore throat</li>
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runny nose</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience this symptom or any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

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rash</li></ul>Adefovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking adefovir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to adefovir or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and probenecid. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Do not take any other medications while you are taking adefovir unless your doctor has told you that you should. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking adefovir.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

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upset stomach</li>
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stomach discomfort</li>
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vomiting</li>
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gas</li>
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loose bowel movements</li>
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loss of appetite</li></ul>