Summer BanksAdefovir
November 9th 2006 11:16
Adefovir is used in the treatment of hepatitis that is caused by the hepatitis B virus. Adefovir works by inhibiting the reproduction or growth of the virus, which slows down the infection in the liver. Adefovir may not completely eliminate the virus from the liver, but it does keep levels of the virus low enough to prevent liver damage.
Treatment :
Adefovir works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best to take the drug at the same time every day. If you miss a dose of adefovir, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose of adefovir.
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, flatulence (gas), headache, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, skin rash, or vomiting. These side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to adefovir.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about a cold feeling in your arms or legs, dizziness or light-headedness, fast heartbeat, feelings of weakness or tiredness, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, unusual muscle aches, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Interactions :
Adefovir may interact with a number of other drugs:
Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may increase the side effects of adefovir.
The side effects -- especially as they relate to the kidneys -- of furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, colistin, vancomycin, polymyxin B, and aminoglycoside antibiotics can be increased by adefovir.
Warnings :
About 25% of patients who stop taking adefovir have a worsening or return of symptoms of hepatitis. This is usually seen within 12 weeks of stopping adefovir. Therefore, you should not stop taking adefovir unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor may order certain blood tests to monitor your liver function after stopping adefovir.
Adefovir may worsen kidney function, especially in patients who had kidney problems before starting adefovir. Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor how your kidneys are working while on adefovir.
Adefovir may cause a condition called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of acid in the blood. IF YOU DEVELOP ANY SIGNS OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS, INCLUDING FEELINGS OF WEAKNESS OR TIREDNESS, UNUSUAL MUSCLE ACHES, TROUBLE BREATHING, STOMACH PAIN WITH NAUSEA AND VOMITING, COLD FEELING IN YOUR ARMS OR LEGS, DIZZINESS OR LIGHT-HEADEDNESS, OR FAST HEARTBEAT WHILE TAKING ADEFOVIR, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Treatment :
Adefovir works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best to take the drug at the same time every day. If you miss a dose of adefovir, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, flatulence (gas), headache, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, skin rash, or vomiting. These side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to adefovir.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about a cold feeling in your arms or legs, dizziness or light-headedness, fast heartbeat, feelings of weakness or tiredness, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, unusual muscle aches, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Interactions :
Adefovir may interact with a number of other drugs:
Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may increase the side effects of adefovir.
The side effects -- especially as they relate to the kidneys -- of furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, colistin, vancomycin, polymyxin B, and aminoglycoside antibiotics can be increased by adefovir.
Warnings :
About 25% of patients who stop taking adefovir have a worsening or return of symptoms of hepatitis. This is usually seen within 12 weeks of stopping adefovir. Therefore, you should not stop taking adefovir unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor may order certain blood tests to monitor your liver function after stopping adefovir.
Adefovir may cause a condition called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of acid in the blood. IF YOU DEVELOP ANY SIGNS OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS, INCLUDING FEELINGS OF WEAKNESS OR TIREDNESS, UNUSUAL MUSCLE ACHES, TROUBLE BREATHING, STOMACH PAIN WITH NAUSEA AND VOMITING, COLD FEELING IN YOUR ARMS OR LEGS, DIZZINESS OR LIGHT-HEADEDNESS, OR FAST HEARTBEAT WHILE TAKING ADEFOVIR, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
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