What is Adefovir Dipivoxil Used For?
Common formulations of adefovir dipivoxil include capsules, tablets, and dispersible tablets. It is used to treat adult patients with chronic hepatitis B who have evidence of active replication of hepatitis B virus and are accompanied by persistent elevation of serum amino acid transferases (ALT or AST) or histologically active liver lesions with compensated liver function.
1. Acute exacerbation of hepatitis may occur when patients stop hepatitis B treatment, including discontinuation of adefovir dipivoxil. Therefore, patients who stop hepatitis B treatment should be closely monitored for liver function, and anti-hepatitis B treatment should be resumed if necessary.
2. Chronic treatment with adefovir dipivoxil can cause renal toxicity in patients with renal dysfunction or potential risk of renal dysfunction. These patients must be closely monitored for renal function and dosage adjustments should be made appropriately.
3. All patients should be screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies before starting treatment with adefovir dipivoxil. Use of anti-hepatitis B drugs, such as adefovir dipivoxil, may have an effect on unknown or untreated HIV carried by chronic hepatitis B patients, and HIV resistance may occur.
4. The use of nucleoside analogues alone or combined with antiretroviral drugs can lead to lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with hepatic steatosis, including fatal events.
5. Since the risk to developing human embryos is not yet clear, it is recommended that women of reproductive age undergoing treatment with adefovir dipivoxil should take effective contraceptive measures.
6. Clinicians should be fully aware of the adverse drug reactions of adefovir dipivoxil and identify them promptly. For patients with hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia who use adefovir dipivoxil, measures such as discontinuation of the drug or relevant symptomatic treatment should be taken promptly. Routine monitoring of renal function and serum phosphorus is recommended when patients are using adefovir dipivoxil.
7. Use in Pregnant and Lactating Women: There have been no studies on the effects of adefovir dipivoxil on pregnant women and HBV mother-to-child transmission. Therefore, infants should be immunized to prevent HBV infection. It is currently unknown whether adefovir dipivoxil is secreted into human milk, and breastfeeding women should avoid breastfeeding when using this drug.
8. Use in Children: The efficacy and safety of adefovir dipivoxil in patients under 18 years of age have not been established. This drug is not suitable for use in children and adolescents.
9. Use in Elderly Patients: The efficacy and safety of adefovir dipivoxil in elderly patients over 65 years of age have not been established.
