Hepsera (Adefovir Dipvoxil) is a prescription medication used to treat a chronic viral liver infection (Hepatitis B) in people 12 years or older. Hepatitis B is present with poor appetite, stomach pain, jaundice, nausea, and fatigue. This infection spreads through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids of an infected person. The active ingredient in Hepsera is Adefovir dipvoxil. Adefovir dipvoxil belongs to a class of medicines called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). It works by slowing the growth of the virus to lower the amount of the virus in the body. Hepsera is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store in the original container at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. Continue to take the medication even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible that day. Do not take more than 1 dose per day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Manufacturer Information

We currently offer the brand Hepsera from Canada manufactured by Gilead Sciences in the strength of 10mg tablets. The generic Adefovir dipvoxil is also available from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 10mg tablets.

Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Hepsera. The most common side effects of Hepsera may include the following:
• Stomach pain;
• Weakness;
• Headache;
• Nausea

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Appetite loss;
• Dark urine;
• Jaundice;
• Little to no urination;
• Shortness of breath;
• Swelling in the feet or ankles;
• Tiredness

These are not all of the side effects of Hepsera. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Hepsera if you are allergic to Adefovir dipvoxil or any ingredient in Hepsera. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have kidney disease or are on dialysis;
• Have untreated HIV or AIDS

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Hepsera and cabozantinib, orlistat, teriflunomide, cladribine, etc. Avoid lamivudine, tenofovir, pentamidine, antibiotics, or antiviral medicines with Hepsera. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication should not be taken in pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if adefovir passes into breast milk. Take Hepsera precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take the drug at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not stop using Hepsera without informing your doctor. Hepatitis B may become active or get worse after you stop using Hepsera. Hepsera is not a cure for Hepatitis B. Using this drug will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent transmission during sex. You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in your blood while using this drug. If you get or have an HIV infection and are not taking medication to treat the virus, adefovir may increase the chance that your HIV infection will not respond to usual treatment. Take an HIV test before starting treatment with Hepsera. Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Store the tablets in their original container away from moisture and heat.

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