Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Pack: 1 tab (10 mg)
Hepsera (adefovir dipivoxil) is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in patients 12 years of age and older with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevations in serum aminotransferases (ALT or AST) or histologically active disease.
This indication is based on histological, virological, biochemical, and serological responses in adult patients with HBeAg+ and HBeAg- chronic hepatitis B with compensated liver function, and with clinical evidence of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus with either compensated or decompensated liver function.
For patients 12 to < 18 years of age, the indication is based on virological and biochemical responses in patients with HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis B virus infection with compensated liver function.
Dosage, forms and strengths:
Hepsera (adefovir dipivoxil) is available as tablets. Each tablet contains 10 mg of adefovir dipivoxil.
Mechanism of action:
Adefovir works by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that is crucial for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to reproduce in the body.
It is approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in adults with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevations in serum aminotransferases (primarily ALT) or histologically active disease.
The main benefit of adefovir over lamivudine (the first NRTI approved for the treatment of hepatitis B) is that it takes a much longer period of time before the virus develops resistance to it.
Adefovir dipivoxil contains two pivaloyloxymethyl units, making it a prodrug form of Adefovir.
How to use:
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily; or take as directed by your doctor. You may take it with or without food. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop taking this medication unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.