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Adefovir Coupon - Adefovir 30 tablets of 10mg bottle

adefovir

Generic Hepsera
Used for Hepatitis B
Used for Hepatitis B

Adefovir (Hepsera) is an antiviral medication that's used for the treatment of hepatitis B in people age 12 and older. It's not a first-choice treatment option because the virus can become resistant to adefovir (Hepsera), meaning the medication might stop working well over time. Adefovir (Hepsera) is available as a brand-name and generic tablet that's typically taken once daily. Some side effects of the medication can include weakness, headache, and stomach pain.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 27, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Adefovir (Hepsera)?

What is Adefovir (Hepsera) used for?

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

How Adefovir (Hepsera) works

Adefovir (Hepsera) is a type of antiviral medication called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by inserting itself into the hepatitis B virus's DNA. This blocks the virus from making copies of itself.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHepsera
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Adefovir (Hepsera)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Weakness or lack of energy (13%)
  • Headache (9%)
  • Stomach pain (9%)
  • Nausea (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Lactic acidosis: extreme tiredness, sudden weakness, fast and shallow breathing, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
  • Liver problems: tiredness, stomach pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Dark urine

general tiredness and weakness

light-colored stools

nausea and vomiting

upper right abdomen or stomach pain

yellow eyes and skin

Less common

Blood in the urine

change in frequency of urination or amount of urine

difficult breathing

drowsiness

increased thirst

loss of appetite

swelling of the feet or lower legs

weakness

Rare

Fast, shallow breathing

general feeling of discomfort

muscle pain or cramping

shortness of breath

sleepiness

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Bloating

bone fractures, especially of the thigh bone

bone pain

chills

cloudy urine

constipation

convulsions

darkened urine

decreased frequency or amount of urine

fast heartbeat

fever

increase in the amount of urine

increased blood pressure

indigestion

lower back or side pain

muscular pain, tenderness, wasting, or weakness

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

headache

lack or loss of strength

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated or full feeling

diarrhea

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

heartburn

passing gas

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Adefovir (Hepsera)

thumbs-up

Pros

Only need to take once a day

Can take with or without food

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice medication to treat hepatitis B

High risk of viral resistance to the medication

Might cause buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Adefovir (Hepsera)

pharmacist

  • Take adefovir (Hepsera) at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food since food doesn't affect how well the medication works.

    • Don't stop taking adefovir (Hepsera) unless your provider tells you to. Stopping the medication too early can cause your HBV to "flare up" in a worse way than before.

      • If you have kidney problems, make sure you get your blood tests done regularly so your provider can check your kidney health. Pay attention to any changes that your provider makes to your dose. They might tell you to take adefovir (Hepsera) less often to lower your risk of side effects from the medication.

        • Try to avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), long term while you're taking adefovir (Hepsera). NSAIDs and adefovir (Hepsera) can both harm the kidney. So taking these medications together can raise your risk of kidney damage even more.

          • Don't take adefovir (Hepsera) with tenofovir-containing medications (e.g., Viread, Vemlidy). Adefovir (Hepsera) and tenofovir can both harm the kidney.

            • Talk to your provider if you're pregnant or have plans to become pregnant. It's not known if adefovir (Hepsera) will harm an unborn baby if it's taken during pregnancy. There's a registry that you can enroll in to monitor your and your baby's health if you take adefovir (Hepsera) during pregnancy. Ask your provider about this program.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Adefovir (Hepsera)

              Can adefovir (Hepsera) cure hepatitis B?
              No, there are currently no antiviral treatment options that can cure hepatitis B. However, treatment like adefovir (Hepsera) can help control the virus in the body and lower the risk of serious liver damage.
              How long do I have to take adefovir (Hepsera)?
              You should continue to take adefovir (Hepsera) for as long as your provider instructs you to. It isn't known what the ideal amount of time you should take the medication for your HBV infection is. But many people have taken adefovir (Hepsera) for several years without serious problems. Make sure to get your blood tests done on time when your provider orders them. Some blood tests allow your provider to see how well adefovir (Hepsera) is working to stop the hepatitis B virus from growing and to check your liver. Other blood tests help your provider check your kidney health to make sure the medication is safe for you. Discuss with your provider about how long you'll need to take adefovir (Hepsera).
              When's the best time of day to take adefovir (Hepsera)?
              There's no particular right time to take adefovir (Hepsera). The most important thing is that you choose a time that works well for you when you can take the medication at the same time every day. This helps make sure you don't miss any doses. Missing doses can cause the virus to become resistant to the medication, which can make the virus harder to treat.
              Can I drink alcohol while I'm taking adefovir (Hepsera)?
              It's unknown if alcohol directly interacts with adefovir (Hepsera). However, it's best to avoid alcohol if you have hepatitis B to protect your liver.
              Why isn't adefovir (Hepsera) a first-choice option to treat hepatitis B?
              At first, adefovir (Hepsera) works well to treat your hepatitis B infection. But as you continue to take the medication long term, there's a high likelihood that the virus can become resistant to adefovir (Hepsera). This resistance can happen when the virus changes form in a way that makes the medication not work well anymore. Then, the hepatitis B virus can continue to grow and possibly become harder to treat. Adefovir (Hepsera) isn't a preferred treatment option for hepatitis B because there are better antiviral options available that work well to control the virus long term and have low risk of resistance (e.g., entecavir, tenofovir). Speak with your provider about the best hepatitis B treatment for you.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Adefovir (Hepsera)?

              Adefovir (Hepsera) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping treatment

              • Risk factors: Hepatitis B virus | Stopping adefovir (Hepsera)

                Don't stop taking adefovir (Hepsera) unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Your hepatitis B infection could come back and get worse if you stop your treatment. If you have severe liver damage, your liver problem could get worse as well. If you're instructed to stop adefovir (Hepsera) or switch to a different antiviral medication, make sure you get your blood tests done regularly, especially during the first 3 months after stopping. This is how your provider will check your liver health and HBV infection.

                risk-warning

                Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection

                • Risk factors: HIV infection

                  Your provider will test you for HIV before you start adefovir (Hepsera) and continuously while you're taking the medication. Adefovir (Hepsera) is only FDA approved to treat HBV and isn't typically used for HIV treatment. Having undiagnosed or untreated HIV while taking HBV treatment, such as adefovir (Hepsera), can cause HIV drug resistance and make the HIV infection harder to treat. If you happen to have HIV and hepatitis B, your provider will recommend a medication regimen that works well to treat both infections.

                  risk-warning

                  Kidney problems

                  • Risk factors: Poor kidney function | Taking other medications that can damage the kidneys | Taking adefovir (Hepsera) for a long time

                    Adefovir (Hepsera) can damage your kidneys if you take the medication for a long time. Your risk is higher if you have poor kidney function or are taking other medications that can harm the kidneys. Your provider will order blood tests regularly to check your kidney function and will change your dose if needed.

                    risk-warning

                    Lactic acidosis and liver problems

                    • Risk factors: Obesity | Women | History of liver problems


                      Although rare, NRTIs including adefovir (Hepsera) can cause life-threatening problems like lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood) and fatty liver disease. Most cases of these problems have happened in women. Risk factors can also include obesity and long-term NRTI use. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include extreme tiredness, sudden weakness, and fast and shallow breathing, while symptoms of fatty liver disease can include stomach pain. Stop taking adefovir (Hepsera) and get medical help right away if this happens.

                      dosage

                      Adefovir (Hepsera) dosage forms

                      Typical dosing for Adefovir (Hepsera)

                      The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth once a day with or without food. Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Adefovir (Hepsera) and other drugs

                      Adefovir (Hepsera) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Adefovir (Hepsera). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                      How much does Adefovir (Hepsera) cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Hepsera (brand)
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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Adefovir (Hepsera)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Adefovir (Hepsera). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Adefovir (Hepsera)
                      Used for:

                      • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

                      $765.30 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Entecavir (Baraclude)
                      Used for:

                      • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

                      $29.70 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Lamivudine (Epivir)
                      Used for:

                      • Treatment of HIV infection for people ages 3 months and older - brand and generic Epivir only

                      • Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B for people ages 2 years and older - brand and generic Epivir HBV only

                      $62.93 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                      Adefovir (Hepsera) images

                      White Round A10 And Apo - Adefovir Dipivoxil 10mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Round Bottle Imprinted With "Apo" And "A10".White Round A10 And Apo - Adefovir Dipivoxil 10mg Tablet

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HIV testing.

                      Dickson, I. (2018). Biomarker for HBV therapy discontinuation. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

                      Ghany, M. G., et al. (2009). Antiviral resistance and hepatitis B therapy. Hepatology.

                      View All References (11)

                      Hadziyannis, S. J., et al. (2006). Long-term therapy with adefovir dipivoxil for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B for up to 5 years. Gastroenterology.

                      Hepatitis B Foundation. (n.d.). Hepatitis B blood tests. 

                      HIVinfo.NIH.gov. (2021). Drug resistance.

                      Izzedine, H., et al. (2005). Antiviral drug-induced nephrotoxicity. American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

                      Lim, Y. S. (2017). Management of antiviral resistance in chronic hepatitis B. Gut and Liver.

                      MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Fatty liver disease.

                      Michailidis, E., et al. (2012). Antiviral therapies: Focus on hepatitis B reverse transcriptase. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology.

                      National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2016). Adefovir. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.

                      Sigmapharm Laboratories, LLC. (2023). Adefovir dipivoxil tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Terrault, N. A., et al. (2018). Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance. Hepatology.

                      U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Hepatitis B basic information.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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