Adefovir is used to treat long-term hepatitis B infection (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids).
Take Adefovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Adefovir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Adefovir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Do not breastfeed if you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Adefovir with other medicines used to treat hepatitis B infection, such as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Adefovir to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Adefovir does not reduce your risk of passing hepatitis B infection. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- HIV test must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Adefovir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea, and generalised weakness or lack of energy.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Adefovir with other medicines used to treat hepatitis B infection, such as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. vancomycin, gentamicin
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Adefovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from heat and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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