Adefovir Dipivoxil
About
Adefovir Dipivoxil is an antiviral medicine used to treat viral infections. Adefovir Dipivoxil is used in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B infection. It is a serious infection caused due to Hepatitis B virus. It is a contagious infection that spreads from person to person and affects the liver. Adefovir Dipivoxil is only used in treating the infection. It does not cure or prevent further liver complications.
Adefovir Dipivoxil contains Adefovir Dipivoxil, which belongs to the class of nucleotide analogues. It works by blocking the activity of the hepatitis B virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells. This causes DNA termination and therefore reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.
Adefovir Dipivoxil may cause certain side effects such as headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, lack of energy and flatulence. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. It should be taken with or after food to avoid any stomach upset. Use it as suggested by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your health condition.
Adefovir Dipivoxil should be avoided if you are allergic to it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine. Adefovir Dipivoxil is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established. Inform your doctor if you have any underlying conditions like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, nephrotoxicity, other kidney problems, HIV infection, lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, as it may cause serious side effects. It is advised not to stop taking Adefovir Dipivoxil suddenly, as abrupt stopping can cause a recurrence of severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis or may also lead to cirrhosis.
Uses of Adefovir Dipivoxil
Medicinal Benefits
Adefovir Dipivoxil contains Adefovir Dipivoxil, which belongs to the class of nucleotide analogues. It works by blocking the activity of the hepatitis B virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells, which is essential for the virus to grow. This causes DNA termination and therefore reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body. This medicine only treats the HBV infection but does not cure it or prevent further liver complications.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Adefovir Dipivoxil
- Headache
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dyspepsia
- Lack of Energy
- Flatulence
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Adefovir Dipivoxil should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor about your medication history, including vitamin and herbal supplements. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine. Adefovir Dipivoxil is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established. Inform your doctor if you have any underlying conditions like cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer, nephrotoxicity, other kidney problems, HIV infection, lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, as it may cause serious side effects. It is advised not to stop taking Adefovir Dipivoxil suddenly, as it can cause a recurrence of severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis or may also lead to cirrhosis.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Adefovir Dipivoxil may interact with a pain killer (celecoxib), antiviral drugs (tenofovir), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have any history of liver or kidney disease, or HIV/AIDS infection.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of side effects. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil to prevent unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionLimited data is available on the effect of Adefovir Dipivoxil in pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Adefovir Dipivoxil. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited data are available on the effect of Adefovir Dipivoxil on breastfeeding. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before taking Adefovir Dipivoxil. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionAdefovir Dipivoxil does not affect your ability to drive. However, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Adefovir Dipivoxil. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Adefovir Dipivoxil. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAdefovir Dipivoxil is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age, as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, and barley.
- Include healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts.
- Drink plenty of water for better processing of food by the body.
- Avoid sugary foods such as cake, cookies, packaged baked food, or soda. Also, avoid heavy salt foods.
- Avoid foods containing saturated fats such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, sour cream, and butter. Try to eat low-fat or non-fat dairy products to minimize damage to the liver.
Special Advise
- Close monitoring of liver and kidney function tests is required while on treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil to monitor liver and kidney functions.
- Sudden withdrawal of Adefovir Dipivoxil should be avoided as it can cause severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis or other serious side effects.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis B Virus Infection: It is a serious contagious infection caused due to Hepatitis B virus affecting the liver. It can be an acute (an infected person may be sick for only a few days) or chronic infection (it develops slowly but progresses to a serious lifelong infection). This infection spreads from person to person through blood contact (being pricked with a contaminated needle, using a razor), intimate contact with the infected person, direct contact with infected blood, or contact with any other personal items with leftovers of infected fluid or even from mother to baby during birth. Adefovir Dipivoxil is used to treat HBV infection.
FAQs
Adefovir Dipivoxil contains Adefovir Dipivoxil, which works by blocking the activity of the hepatitis B virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells. This causes DNA termination and therefore reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.
Adefovir Dipivoxil does not cure HIV infection. You may still develop other illnesses and infections associated with HIV infection. Take necessary precautions, as you can pass on HIV to others.
