This medication is used to treat a chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis B) in people 12 years of age and older. It works by slowing the growth of the virus. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and does not prevent the passing of hepatitis B to others. This medication is a nucleotide analog.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily; or take as directed by your doctor. May take with or without food. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. 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. Treatment with adefovir alone is not appropriate for patients infected with both hepatitis B and HIV. An HIV test is recommended both before and during treatment to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Worsening of your condition, decreased response to therapy, or the occurrence of resistant strains of the virus may occur during or after treatment. Promptly report any new symptoms that occur during or after treatment to your doctor.

Before taking adefovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: HIV infection, kidney problems, liver transplant, being very overweight (obese). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember that day. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: tenofovir. If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting adefovir. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, amikacin), amphotericin B, cyclosporine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen), tacrolimus, vancomycin. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Weakness, headache, fever, increased cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or gas may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if this very unlikely but serious side effect occurs: change in the amount of urine. For additional side effects see Warning section. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store in the original container at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.