apollo

Select Address

0
  • Login

Telbivudine

About

Telbivudine is an antiviral medicine used to treat viral infections. Telbivudine is used in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B infection in patients with evidence of viral replication. It is a serious infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is a contagious infection that spreads from person to person and affects the liver. Telbivudine is only used in treating the infection. It does not cure or prevent further liver complications.

Telbivudine contains Telbivudine, which belongs to the class of nucleoside analogues. It works by blocking the activity of the hepatitis B virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells. This causes DNA termination and reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.

Telbivudine may cause certain side effects such as headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, vomiting, cough, abdominal pain, fever, myalgia, back pain and fatigue. 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.

Telbivudine should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Caution should be exercised in conditions like liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, or kidney problems. Telbivudine may cause lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, myopathy, and peripheral neuropathy in some patients. Stopping the treatment with Telbivudine may lead to acute exacerbations of Hepatitis B infection. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during and after the treatment. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine. Telbivudine is not recommended for children below 16 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established.

Uses of Telbivudine

Hepatitis B Virus infection.

Medicinal Benefits

Telbivudine contains Telbivudine, 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

Tablet/Capsule: Telbivudine is a prescription medicine. It should be taken only if prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken with or after food to avoid stomach upset. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, break, or crush the medicine. Oral Solution: Take Telbivudine as prescribed by your doctor. Measure the required amount of medicine into the measuring cup and then swallow it. It is advised to close the cap of the bottle tightly after each use.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Telbivudine

  • Headache
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Dizziness
  • Cough
  • Myalgia
  • Fever
  • Sore throat

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Avoid taking Telbivudine and inform your doctor if you are allergic to it. Keep your doctor informed about your complete medical history to rule out any serious side effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine. Caution should be exercised in patients having underlying conditions like liver cirrhosis, HIV infection, liver cancer, or kidney problems before starting the treatment. Telbivudine may cause lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy and acute exacerbations of Hepatitis B, HIV infection, lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, as it may cause serious side effects. It is advised not to stop taking Telbivudine abruptly, as it can cause a recurrence of severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis or may also lead to cirrhosis. Telbivudine is not recommended for children below 16 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established. Telbivudine should not be taken along with pegylated interferon alfa-2a as it can cause peripheral neuropathy. Hence, informing your doctor about your complete medication history before taking this medicine is advised.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions: Telbivudine may interact with immunomodulators (interferon alpha-2a), antibiotics (vancomycin), vitamins, minerals, 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, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • INTERFERON ALFA
  • VANCOMYCIN
  • AMPHOTERICIN B
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      unsafe

      Alcohol intake might increase the risk of side effects. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Telbivudine.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      caution

      Limited data is available on the effect of Telbivudine in pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Telbivudine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      caution

      Limited data are available on the effect of Telbivudine on breastfeeding. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before taking Telbivudine. Your doctor may suggest you stop breastfeeding while taking Telbivudine.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      unsafe

      Telbivudine may cause dizziness as a side effect. Hence, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are not alert or during the treatment.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      caution

      Telbivudine has not been studied in patients with decompensated liver disease or liver transplant recipients. Hence, if you have liver problems, inform your doctor before using Telbivudine.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Telbivudine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      unsafe

      Telbivudine is not recommended for use in children, as efficacy and safety have not been established.

    Habit Forming

    No

    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

    • Sudden withdrawal of Telbivudine should be avoided as it can cause severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis or other serious side effects.
    • Frequent monitoring of liver and kidney function tests are required while on treatment with Telbivudine to monitor liver and kidney functions.
    • Patients should be observed carefully for any changes in the liver function test even after the completion of the treatment course.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Hepatitis B Virus Infection: It is a serious contagious infection caused by the 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. Telbivudine is used to treat HBV infection.

    FAQs

    Telbivudine contains Telbivudine, which works by blocking the activity of the hepatitis B virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells. This causes DNA termination and reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.

    Stopping treatment with Telbivudine may worsen Hepatitis B infection. Close monitoring is necessary even after completion of the treatment course. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.

    Available Medicines for

    Telbivudine

    VIEW MORE PRODUCTS