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Tyzeka

telbivudine
Used for Hepatitis B
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:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 9, 2022
BasicsFAQsInteractionsAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Tyzeka (telbivudine)?

What is Tyzeka (telbivudine) used for?

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

How Tyzeka (telbivudine) works

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

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTyzeka (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Tyzeka (telbivudine)

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.
Is Tyzeka (telbivudine) still available?
No, Tyzeka (telbivudine) has been discontinued 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. It wasn't taken off the market for safety concerns or lack of benefit.
What other medications can I use instead of Tyzeka (telbivudine)?
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.
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interactions

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.

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
alternatives

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
Entecavir (Baraclude)
Used for:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

$15.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView 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

$54.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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