Is Tyzeka (telbivudine) still available?

No, Tyzeka (telbivudine) has been [discontinued](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Telbivudine+Tablets+%28TYZEKA%29&st=d&tab=tabs-2) and is no longer available in the United States.

Why was Tyzeka (telbivudine) discontinued?

The manufacturer (Novartis) voluntarily discontinued Tyzeka (telbivudine) [in 2016 for business reasons](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548766/). It wasn't taken off the market for safety concerns or lack of benefit.

Tyzeka

Q: What is Tyzeka (telbivudine)?

Tyzeka (telbivudine) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of an active, chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection. This medication is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs work by inserting themselves into the virus' DNA (genetic material). This prevents the virus from making more copies of itself. Tyzeka (telbivudine) works by specifically targeting hepatitis B viruses and stopping their growth.

Q: What other medications can I use instead of Tyzeka (telbivudine)?

There are many [different factors](https://www.aasld.org/sites/default/files/2019-06/HBVGuidance_Terrault_et_al-2018-Hepatology.pdf) that a provider must consider in choosing the right hepatitis B medication for you, such as your medical history, age, and the presence of any liver problems. Several alternative NRTI medications for hepatitis B are available, including [lamivudine (Epivir)](https://www.goodrx.com/lamivudine/what-is) and [entecavir (Baraclude)](https://www.goodrx.com/entecavir/what-is), which are typically taken by mouth daily. Additionally, there's another group of hepatitis B medications called interferon, such as [Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)](https://www.goodrx.com/pegasys/what-is). Interferon medications are typically injected under the skin once weekly. Keep in mind that there are currently no medications that can cure chronic hepatitis B, but treatment can help slow down liver damage and prevent [cirrhosis](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/cirrhosis/what-is-liver-cirrhosis). Talk with your provider to determine which hepatitis B treatment is best for you.

telbivudine

Used for Hepatitis B

Tyzeka (telbivudine) is a medication that's taken by mouth to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B. It comes in either a tablet or liquid form and is recommended in people 16 years of age and older. Tyzeka (telbivudine) has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 9, 2022

What is Tyzeka (telbivudine)?

What is Tyzeka (telbivudine) used for?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Are you looking for information on tenofovir (Viread) or lamivudine (Epivir) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Tyzeka(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	Antiviral
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Tyzeka(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

Antiviral

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Tyzeka

Tyzeka is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of an active, chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection. This medication is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs work by inserting themselves into the virus' DNA (genetic material). This prevents the virus from making more copies of itself. Tyzeka works by specifically targeting hepatitis B viruses and stopping their growth.

No, Tyzeka has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

The manufacturer (Novartis) voluntarily discontinued Tyzeka in 2016 for business reasons. It wasn't taken off the market for safety concerns or lack of benefit.

There are many different factors that a provider must consider in choosing the right hepatitis B medication for you, such as your medical history, age, and the presence of any liver problems. Several alternative NRTI medications for hepatitis B are available, including lamivudine (Epivir) and entecavir (Baraclude), which are typically taken by mouth daily. Additionally, there's another group of hepatitis B medications called interferon, such as Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a). Interferon medications are typically injected under the skin once weekly. Keep in mind that there are currently no medications that can cure chronic hepatitis B, but treatment can help slow down liver damage and prevent cirrhosis. Talk with your provider to determine which hepatitis B treatment is best for you.

Tyzeka (telbivudine) dosage

Typical dosage for Tyzeka (telbivudine)

Interactions between Tyzeka (telbivudine) and other drugs

Tyzeka (telbivudine) 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 Tyzeka (telbivudine). 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. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Peginterferon Alfa-2a

What are alternatives to Tyzeka (telbivudine)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tyzeka (telbivudine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Tyzeka (telbivudine)

Used for:

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

View prices

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)

Used for:

Treatment of HIV infection - people ages 2 years and older
Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B - Brand Viread for people ages 2 years and older; generic for people ages 12 years and older

$44.05Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Entecavir (Baraclude)

Used for:

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

$20.33Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

What is Tyzeka (telbivudine)?

What is Tyzeka (telbivudine) used for?

Are you looking for information on tenofovir (Viread) or lamivudine (Epivir) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Tyzeka

What is Tyzeka?

Is Tyzeka still available?

Why was Tyzeka discontinued?

What other medications can I use instead of Tyzeka?

Tyzeka (telbivudine) dosage

Typical dosage for Tyzeka (telbivudine)

Interactions between Tyzeka (telbivudine) and other drugs

What are alternatives to Tyzeka (telbivudine)?

Common questions about Tyzeka

What is Tyzeka?

Is Tyzeka still available?

Why was Tyzeka discontinued?

What other medications can I use instead of Tyzeka?