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Adefovir Dipivoxil: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Adefovir Dipivoxil is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who have evidence of active viral replication together with either…

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About Adefovir Dipivoxil

Indications of Adefovir Dipivoxil

Adefovir Dipivoxil is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who have evidence of active viral replication together with either persistently elevated serum aminotransferase levels (ALT or AST) or histologically active liver disease.

Evidence-based classification

  • Established/FDA-approved use: Chronic hepatitis B infection with evidence of active viral replication and ongoing liver inflammation, in patients aged 12 years and above.
  • Guideline-supported/alternative use: As an alternative nucleos(t)ide analogue for chronic hepatitis B when preferred first-line agents (e.g., tenofovir, entecavir) are unavailable or not tolerated; current hepatology guidelines generally favor newer agents with a higher barrier to resistance as first-line therapy, reserving Adefovir Dipivoxil for select situations.
  • Not an indication: Adefovir Dipivoxil is not approved for HIV infection and must not be used as HIV therapy; using it in HIV/HBV-coinfected patients without a fully suppressive antiretroviral regimen risks selection of HIV resistance (see Precautions and Warnings).

Dosage & Administration of Adefovir Dipivoxil

The recommended dose is described per indication and renal function below.

Adults and adolescents (≥12 years) with normal renal function

Adefovir Dipivoxil 10 mg is taken orally once daily, with or without food.

Dose adjustment in renal impairment (adults)

Creatinine clearanceAdefovir Dipivoxil dosing
≥50 mL/min10 mg every 24 hours
30–49 mL/min10 mg every 48 hours
10–29 mL/min10 mg every 72 hours
Hemodialysis patients10 mg every 7 days, administered following completion of a dialysis session

No dosing recommendation is available for non-hemodialysis patients with creatinine clearance below 10 mL/min. Renal function should be assessed before starting and monitored periodically during treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment (see Precautions and Warnings).

Adefovir Dipivoxil is not recommended in children under 12 years of age.

Optimal duration of treatment is not firmly established; therapy is typically continued long-term to maintain viral suppression (see Duration of Treatment). Do not stop Adefovir Dipivoxil without consulting a physician, as severe worsening of hepatitis B has been reported after discontinuation.

Side Effects of Adefovir Dipivoxil

The most commonly reported adverse effects with Adefovir Dipivoxil (occurring in approximately 3% or more of patients) include:

  • Asthenia (weakness)
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhea
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Increased serum creatinine
  • Hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphate)

Less common but serious adverse effects include renal impairment or failure, Fanconi syndrome, proximal renal tubulopathy, muscle weakness/myopathy, osteomalacia (bone softening related to proximal tubulopathy), and pancreatitis. Rare, potentially life-threatening reactions — lactic acidosis with severe hepatomegaly and steatosis, and severe exacerbation of hepatitis B after stopping treatment — are discussed further under Precautions and Warnings.

Seek prompt medical attention for unusual muscle pain/weakness, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin/eyes while taking Adefovir Dipivoxil.

Contraindications of Adefovir Dipivoxil

Adefovir Dipivoxil is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to adefovir dipivoxil or to any component of the formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Adefovir Dipivoxil

What is Adefovir Dipivoxil used for?

Adefovir Dipivoxil is used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who have evidence of active viral replication and ongoing liver inflammation. It works by suppressing hepatitis B virus replication but does not cure the infection.

Can I stop taking Adefovir Dipivoxil once I feel better?

No. You should never stop Adefovir Dipivoxil without your physician's advice. Stopping treatment can cause a severe, sometimes life-threatening, flare-up of hepatitis B. Your physician will monitor your liver function closely for several months after any planned discontinuation.

Does Adefovir Dipivoxil affect the kidneys?

Yes. Adefovir Dipivoxil can cause dose-related kidney toxicity, especially in people with existing kidney problems or those taking other medicines that affect the kidneys. Your physician will check your kidney function with blood tests before and periodically during treatment, and may adjust your dose based on your creatinine clearance.

Is Adefovir Dipivoxil safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Adefovir Dipivoxil is a pregnancy category C medicine, meaning there are no adequate human studies confirming its safety in pregnancy. It should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, and only under medical supervision. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so a decision to breastfeed or continue Adefovir Dipivoxil should be made with your physician.

Should I be tested for HIV before starting Adefovir Dipivoxil?

Yes. If you have unrecognized or untreated HIV infection, taking Adefovir Dipivoxil alone for hepatitis B can lead to the development of HIV drug resistance. Your physician should test your HIV status before you start Adefovir Dipivoxil.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Adefovir Dipivoxil?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose — in that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Missing doses of Adefovir Dipivoxil can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of viral resistance, so try to take it consistently at the same time each day.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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