Hepsera is an antiviral used to treat hepatitis B in patients 12 years and older. It is not a cure for Hepatitis B. It may also have other uses not referred to here.

Be care to follow the medication guidelines, your doctor's instructions, and your dosage amount instructions exactly. Keep medication away from children and pets.

• Do not take smaller or larger doses than prescribed
• Do not take for longer than prescribed
• Take with a full glass of water, with or without food
• Do not stop using without doctor's advice
• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible; if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose

General precautions:

• Hepsera may affect your liver; you doctor may check your liver function several months after using Hepsera
• Hepsera will not prevent you from spreading Hepatitis B to others; do not share razors and toothbrushes, have unprotected sex, or share needles and drugs 

Before starting this medication, inform your doctor if you have experienced the following:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or if you plan to

Do not use this medication if you are:

• Allergic to it
• Medicated with Atripla, Complera, Stribild, Truvada, or Viread

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• An overdose
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, breathing difficulty, swollen face/lips/tongue/throat
• Symptoms of Lactic Acidosis (even mild ones), such as: muscle pain and weakness, numb/cold sensation in limbs, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, rapid/uneven heart rate, dizziness, fatigue

Interactions (inform your doctor if you also take these):

• Antivirals
• Injected antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Bowel disorder medication
• Organ transplant rejection medication
• Pain/arthritis medications
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Vitamins, herbs, supplements

*Always tell your doctor of all known medications, medical conditions, and allergies before starting a new drug, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, supplements, recreational drugs, and vitamins.

The precautionary information, interactions, and side effects listed on this webpage are not exhaustive. Other effects can occur. Discuss with your doctor about the relevance of this information to your personal care.

Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, indigestion
• Weakness
• Headache

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Lactic Acidosis: find immediate medical assistance if you experience symptoms (even mild) such as muscle pain or weakness, numbness, cold sensation on limbs, breathing troubles, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, rapid/uneven pulse, dizziness, fatigue, weakness; mild symptoms can worsen over time and this condition is fatal
• Symptoms of allergic reaction (see Cautions)
• Overdose

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Little/zero urination
• Swelling
• Rapid weight gain
• Loss of appetite, vomiting, confusion, pain in side/lower back
• Appetite loss, stomach pain, dark colored urine, clay colored stools, yellowing of skin/eyes

Please note that information listed on this webpage are not exhaustive. Other effects may occur. Please consult with your doctor about the relevance of this information to your personal case.