Hepsera (Adefovir)

Do's

• Take Hepsera exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily with or without food.
• Take Hepsera consistently to maximize the benefit. Aim to take it at the same time each day.
• Refill your medication before it runs out to avoid missing doses.
• Get tested for HIV before and during treatment with Hepsera, as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any new symptoms during or after treatment.

Don'ts

• Don't alter your dosage (increase, decrease, or stop) without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't rely solely on Hepsera if you have both hepatitis B and HIV. Discuss combination therapy with your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects:

• Weakness, headache, stomach pain, nausea, and more severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Worsening of hepatitis B infection, which may occur if Hepsera is stopped, leading to a "flare-up" of the HBV infection
• Kidney problems, which may require dose adjustments or discontinuation of treatment
• Serious liver problems, especially in females, individuals who are very overweight (obese), or those who have been taking nucleoside analog medicines

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Hepsera,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any allergies you have before starting Hepsera.

Inform your healthcare provider of your medical history, especially regarding HIV infection, kidney problems, or a history of liver transplant.

Disclose all medications you take (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal) to your healthcare provider or dentist before surgery.

Hepsera during pregnancy should only be used if absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding if you are taking Hepsera. It's unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.

Stopping Hepsera abruptly can worsen hepatitis, rarely leading to death. your healthcare provider will closely monitor you after stopping the medication.

Keep all healthcare provider and lab appointments even after stopping Hepsera, as instructed.

Hepsera may cause severe (sometimes fatal) liver problems and lactic acidosis (blood acid-base imbalance). Be aware of symptoms like unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach pain, drowsiness, muscle aches, breathing problems, or irregular heartbeat. Report these to your healthcare provider right away.

Hepsera can worsen kidney problems in patients with pre-existing kidney disease. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any changes in your urine output.

Hepsera may cause your HIV infection to become resistant to standard HIV medications if you have untreated HIV. Discuss this risk with your healthcare provider.