Adefovir

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat HIV disease. It is usually used in combination with at least 2 other medicines.

How does it work?

• Adefovir helps prevent the HIV virus from increasing in numbers.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take at a similar time everyday.
• Take with 500 mg of oral L-carnitine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• Fever and/or chills.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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