What is this medication for?
Adefovir belongs to a group of medications known as antivirals. It is used to treat people with chronic hepatitis B infection who also have active liver damage. It works by stopping the hepatitis B virus from reproducing. While there is no cure for hepatitis B infection, adefovir can decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body and may reduce the damage done to the liver by the hepatitis B virus.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Hepsera® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended dose of adefovir for adults and children over 12 years of age is 10 mg once daily, taken with or without food. Taking adefovir at the same time each day may help you to remember to take your medication. People with reduced kidney function may need longer periods of time between doses.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than one dose in a day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature in the original container and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Adefovir should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to adefovir or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
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