Hepsera and Alcohol Interaction

Hepsera and Alcohol

Hepsera generic name Adefovir belongs to the family of drugs which are known as nucleotide analog and works by slowing the growth of the Hepatitus B virus but is not a cure.

It is suggested that you do not consume alcohol while using this drug as the side effects may be greatly increased.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Note:

Some patients have developed severe and sometimes worsening of Hepatitus after they stop taking this drug. If you stop using the drug your physician should do liver tests to ensure liver function has not worsened. It may also cause severe kidney problems if you are already at risk for kidney disease.

Use of this drug for Hepatitis B infection in patients with untreated or unknown HIV infection may result in a strain of the HIV virus that is resistant to treatment. Advise your physician if you are at risk.

On occasion sometimes fatal high levels of lactic acid in the blood and severe liver problems have been infrequently been reported with use of this drug or when used with other drugs.

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to this drug or any other drug or substance, you have an enlarged liver or high levels of lactic acid in the blood, if you are taking tenofovir or other medicine that contain such.

Before using Hepsera advise your physician if you are pregnant, plan to become so, are breast feeding, taking any other prescription, nonprescription drug, herbal preparation, dietary supplement, have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances, have a history of kidney problems, liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, liver transplant, HIV infection, at risk of HIV, are overweight or if you have taken lamivudine to treat HBV infection and it stopped working.

Side Effects of

Less serious side effects diarrhea, fever, gas, headache, increased cough, indigestion, nausea, sore throat, upset stomach or vomiting. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, difficult breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, Change in urination, cold arms and legs, dark urine, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, muscle pain, pale stools, back pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness or fatigue or jaundice. If these occur get emergency medical help.

Hepsera and Alcohol Hepsera and alcohol

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

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