Hepbest Tablets (Alafenamide 25mg)

INTRODUCTION

HEPBEST 25MG contains tenofovir alafenamide which is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older, who weigh at least 35 kg. Hepatitis B is an infection affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus. This medicine stops the virus from multiplying and thus controls the infection. It works by interfering with the normal working of enzymes (in HIV reverse transcriptase; in hepatitis B DNA polymerase) that are essential for the viruses to reproduce themselves.

It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking, tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems. Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, it may make you feel dizzy. The common side effects are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, rash, feeling weak.

USES OF HEPBEST 25MG

Treat chronic hepatitis B virus infection [HBV] in adults with compensated liver disease

HOW HEPBEST 25MG WORKS

HEPBEST 25MG stops the virus from multiplying and thus controls the infection. It works by interfering with the normal working of enzymes (in HIV reverse transcriptase; in hepatitis B DNA polymerase) that are essential for the viruses to reproduce themselves.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take HEPBEST 25MG exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole with plenty of water.

SIDE EFFECTS OF HEPBEST 25MG

COMMON
Headache
Diarrhea
Vomiting and nausea
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Joint pain (arthralgia)
Rash, itchiness
Feeling bloated
Wind (flatulence)
Feeling tired

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and vomiting:

Keep try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to your forehead. Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Rash:

Avoid bathing with hot water because hot water can irritate the skin. Moisturizers can be used regular basis to soothe and hydrate the affected area.

Diarrhea:

Drink lot of fluid, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
HEPBEST 25MG should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING
HEPBEST 25MG should be used with caution for breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, it may make you feel dizzy.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
HEPBEST 25MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
HEPBEST 25MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic to the medicine.

OTHERS

If you are not sure whether you have HIV, your doctor should offer you HIV testing before you start taking HEPBEST 25MG for hepatitis B.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor if you are taking:

Medicines used to treat bacterial infections including tuberculosis, containing rifabutin, rifampicin or rifapentine
Medicines used to treat the HIV, such as ritonavir or cobicistat boosted darunavir, lopinavir or atazanavir
Anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy, such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin
Herbal remedies used to treat the depression and anxiety, containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Medicines used to treat fungal infections