Telbivudine

Telbivudine is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. This drug works by inhibiting the growth of the virus thereby reducing the amount of virus in the body.

Telbivudine cannot cure hepatitis B and cannot prevent complications that arise from hepatitis B. This drug also cannot be used to prevent the spread of the hepatitis B virus to other people. Telbivudine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.

Telbivudine trademark : Sebivo

What is Telbivudine?

Warning Before Using Telbivudine

Telbivudine should not be used carelessly and must be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before taking telbivudine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergy to telbivudine.
• Do not drive or do activities that require alertness while being treated with telbivudine, because this drug can make you dizzy.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS , or have had a liver transplant procedure .
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking telbivudine before having surgery, including dental surgery.
• If an allergic reaction or drug overdose occurs, see a doctor immediately.

Dosage and Rules for Use Telbivudine

The usual dose of telbivudine for adults or over 16 years of age is 600 mg, once a day.

Telbivudine dosage may vary for each patient. The doctor will adjust the dosage based on the medical condition, kidney function, and the patient's response to treatment.

How to Use Telbivudine Properly

Terbivudine will be given by the doctor. Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the usage instructions on the packaging.

Telbivudine can be taken before or after meals. Take telbivudine regularly at the same time every day to maximize the performance of the drug.

If you forget to take telbivudine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearing time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and proceed to your regular telbivudine schedule. Do not double your telbivudine dose to make up for a missed dose.

Store telbivudine in a closed container and at room temperature. Keep this medicine out of reach of children, direct sunlight, and areas or places with excess humidity.

Telbivudine Interactions with Other Drugs

Telbivudine can cause interaction effects when used with other medicines. Effects that can occur are:

• Increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy if taken with peginterferon alfa-2a
• Increased levels and effects of telbivudine when taken with amphotericin B , amikacin, loop diuretics , such as furosemide
• Increased risk of myopathy if taken with azole antifungal drugs, ciclosporin , corticosteroids, fibrates, penicillamine, erythromycin or, zidovudine

Telbivudine Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may arise from using telbivudine include:

• Headache
• Dizzy
• The body feels tired
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nauseous
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Muscle ache
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Hard to sleep

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction characterized by the appearance of an itchy rash, swelling of the lips and eyelids, and difficulty breathing, or experience serious side effects, such as:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Continuous muscle pain
• Fast heart rate
• Vomit
• Numbness, tingling , pain, and burning sensation in the arms or legs