Hep Drug Pages

Generic Name: adefovir dipivoxil

Pronunciation: hep-SER-rah

Drug Class: Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)

Company: Gilead Sciences

Approval Status: Approved

Generic Version Available: No

Drug Indication

FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in persons who are 12 years and older.

Hepsera was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by adults with chronic hepatitis B in 2002.
In clinical studies, 53 to 64 percent of participants showed improved liver biopsy results after 48 weeks of therapy.

Adult Dose: One 10 mg tablet daily, with or without food.

Pediatric Dose: Adolescents age 12 years and older: one 10 mg tablet daily, with or without food.

Dosing Info: Optimal treatment length is unknown. Do not change your dose or stop taking Hepsera without talking to your medical provider.

The most common side effects are weakness, headache, stomach pain, nausea, flatulence (intestinal gas), diarrhea and indigestion. Liver transplant patients may experience additional side effects.
Hepsera may cause kidney damage, severe liver problems or a serious condition called lactic acidosis (buildup of acid in the blood).
Risk of HIV-1 resistance in people with unknown HIV-1 infection or in people with untreated HIV-1 infection.

For a review of drug interactions, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements that should not be taken with Hepsera or may require dose adjustments, consult the Hepsera package insert.

There are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women who have taken Hepsera. Hepsera should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
The safety of breast feeding while taking Hepsera has not been established, and it is recommended that Hepsera be discontinued if breast-feeding.

Last Reviewed: March 4, 2019