Adefovir Dipivoxil

Adefovir is an antiviral medication. It works by preventing viral cells from multiplying in the body and infecting new liver cells. Adefovir is used to treat chronic hepatitis B in adults. This medicine will not cure hepatitis.

Adefovir can also cause serious kidney problems, especially if you have kidney disease or take certain medications. You may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function for several months after you stop using adefovir. Visit your doctor regularly.

Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing hepatitis B to other people. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person. Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to HIV, or if you have untreated HIV or AIDS. Taking medicines to treat chronic hepatitis B can cause HIV infection to become resistant to the standard HIV and AIDS medications. You may need to be tested for HIV before you start taking adefovir.

Side effects:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or stomach pain;
• mild skin rash or itching;
• weakness; or
• headache.