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Adefovir dipivoxil

Generic: ADEFOVIR DIPIVOXIL

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Gilead
NDC
42794-003
ICD-10 indication
B18.1

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About Adefovir dipivoxil

What is this medication? Adefovir dipivoxil is an antiviral prescription medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis B in adults and children at least twelve years of age. It belongs to a group of drugs called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This medication works by blocking an enzyme that the hepatitis B virus needs to reproduce, which effectively lowers the viral load in the body and helps the immune system manage the infection more efficiently.

It is important to understand that this medication does not cure hepatitis B or prevent the spread of the virus to others through physical contact. Instead, its primary goal is to slow the progression of the disease and prevent significant liver complications such as scarring or permanent damage. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary while taking this drug to ensure it is working correctly and to check for potential side effects involving the kidneys or liver.

Copay & patient assistance

  • Patient Copay Amount: Not Publicly Available
  • Maximum Annual Benefit Limit: Not Publicly Available
  • Core Eligibility Restrictions: Patients must be diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (Hep B), chronic hepatitis C (Hep C), or primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and be prescribed Gilead or Asegua treatments.
  • RxBIN, PCN, and Group numbers: Not Publicly Available

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Adefovir dipivoxil. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Mar 24, 2023

Boxed warning
WARNING: SEVERE ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS, NEPHROTOXICITY, HIV RESISTANCE, LACTIC ACIDOSIS AND SEVERE HEPATOMEGALY WITH STEATOSIS Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis have been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-Hepatitis B therapy including Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue anti-Hepatitis B therapy. If appropriate, resumption of anti-Hepatitis B therapy may be warranted [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In patients at risk of or having underlying renal dysfunction, chronic administration of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets may result in nephrotoxicity. These patients should be monitored closely for renal function and may require dose adjustment [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . HIV resistance may emerge in chronic hepatitis B patients with unrecognized or untreated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection treated with antihepatitis B therapies, such as therapy with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, that may have activity against HIV [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals [See Warnings and Precautions (5 . 4 ) ] . WARNING: SEVERE ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS, NEPHROTOXICITY, HIV RESISTANCE, LACTIC ACIDOSIS AND SEVERE HEPATOMEGALY WITH STEATOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis may occur in patients who discontinue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Monitor hepatic function closely in these patients. ( 5.1 ) Chronic use of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets may result in nephrotoxicity in patients at risk of renal dysfunction or having underlying renal dysfunction. Monitor renal function closely in these patients. Dose adjustment may be required. ( 5.2 ) HIV resistance may emerge in chronic hepatitis B patients with unrecognized or untreated HIV infection. ( 5.3 ) Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues. ( 5.4 )
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets are indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in patients 12 years of age and older with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevations in serum aminotransferases (ALT or AST) or histologically active disease. This indication is based on histological, virological, biochemical, and serological responses in adult patients with HBeAg+ and HBeAg- chronic hepatitis B with compensated liver function, and with clinical evidence of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus with either compensated or decompensated liver function. For patients 12 to less than 18 years of age, the indication is based on virological and biochemical responses in patients with HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis B virus infection with compensated liver function. Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets are nucleotide analogues indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One tablet containing 10 mg adefovir dipivoxil once daily orally with or without food. ( 2.1 ) Dose adjustment in renal impairment for adults ( 2.2 ) Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) a Hemodialysis Patients Greater than or equal to 50 30 - 49 10 - 29 Recommended dose and dosing interval 10 mg every 24 hours 10 mg every 48 hours 10 mg every 72 hours 10 mg every 7 days following dialysis a Creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft-Gault method using lean or ideal body weight. No dose recommendations for ( 2.1 ): Non-hemodialysis patients with creatinine clearance less than 10 mL per minute. Adolescent patients with renal impairment. 2.1 Chronic Hepatitis B The recommended dose of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in chronic hepatitis B patients for patients 12 years of age and older with adequate renal function is 10 mg, once daily, taken orally, without regard to food. The optimal duration of treatment is unknown. Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age. 2.2 Dose Adjustment in Renal Impairment Significantly increased drug exposures were seen when Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets was administered to adult patients with renal impairment [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Therefore, the dosing interval of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets should be adjusted in adult patients with baseline creatinine clearance less than 50 mL per minute using the following suggested guidelines (See Table 1 ). The safety and effectiveness of these dosing interval adjustment guidelines have not been clinically evaluated. Additionally, it is important to note that these guidelines were derived from data in patients with pre-existing renal impairment at baseline. They may not be appropriate for patients in whom renal insufficiency evolves during treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Therefore, clinical response to treatment and renal function should be closely monitored in these patients. Table 1 Dosing Interval Adjustment of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) a Hemodialysis Patients Greater than or equal to 50 30 - 49 10 - 29 Recommended dose and dosing interval 10 mg every 24 hours 10 mg every 48 hours 10 mg every 72 hours 10 mg every 7 days following dialysis a Creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft-Gault method using lean or ideal body weight. The pharmacokinetics of adefovir have not been evaluated in non-hemodialysis patients with creatinine clearance less than 10 mL per minute; therefore, no dosing recommendation is available for these patients. No clinical data are available to make dosing recommendations in adolescent patients with renal insufficiency [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] 2.1 Chronic Hepatitis B The recommended dose of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in chronic hepatitis B patients for patients 12 years of age and older with adequate renal function is 10 mg, once daily, taken orally, without regard to food. The optimal duration of treatment is unknown. Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age. 2.2 Dose Adjustment in Renal Impairment Significantly increased drug exposures were seen when Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets was administered to adult patients with renal impairment [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Therefore, the dosing interval of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets should be adjusted in adult patients with baseline creatinine clearance less than 50 mL per minute using the following suggested guidelines (See Table 1 ). The safety and effectiveness of these dosing interval adjustment guidelines have not been clinically evaluated. Additionally, it is important to note that these guidelines were derived from data in patients with pre-existing renal impairment at baseline. They may not be appropriate for patients in whom renal insufficiency evolves during treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Therefore, clinical response to treatment and renal function should be closely monitored in these patients. Table 1 Dosing Interval Adjustment of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) a Hemodialysis Patients Greater than or equal to 50 30 - 49 10 - 29 Recommended dose and dosing interval 10 mg every 24 hours 10 mg every 48 hours 10 mg every 72 hours 10 mg every 7 days following dialysis a Creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft-Gault method using lean or ideal body weight. The pharmacokinetics of adefovir have not been evaluated in non-hemodialysis patients with creatinine clearance less than 10 mL per minute; therefore, no dosing recommendation is available for these patients. No clinical data are available to make dosing recommendations in adolescent patients with renal insufficiency [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets are contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to any of the components of the product. Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets are contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to any of the components of the product. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis: Monitor hepatic function closely at repeated intervals for at least several months in patients who discontinue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. ( 5.1 ) Nephrotoxicity: Monitor renal function during therapy for all patients, particularly those with pre-existing or other risks for renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be required. ( 5.2 ) HIV Resistance: Offer HIV testing to all patients prior to initiating Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Untreated HIV may result in HIV resistance. ( 5.3 ) Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis: If suspected, suspend treatment. ( 5.4 ) Coadministration with Other Products: Do not administer Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets concurrently with VIREAD ® or other tenofovir-containing products. ( 5.5 ) Clinical Resistance: For patients with lamivudine-resistant HBV use adefovir dipivoxil in combination with lamivudine. For all patients, consider modifying treatment in case serum HBV DNA remains above 1000 copies/mL with continued treatment. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Exacerbation of Hepatitis after Discontinuation of Treatment Severe acute exacerbation of hepatitis has been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-hepatitis B therapy, including therapy with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Hepatic function should be monitored at repeated intervals with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. In clinical trials of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, exacerbations of hepatitis (ALT elevations 10 times the upper limit of normal or greater) occurred in up to 25% of patients after discontinuation of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. These events were identified in studies GS-98-437 and GS-98-438 (N=492). Most of these events occurred within 12 weeks of drug discontinuation. These exacerbations generally occurred in the absence of HBeAg seroconversion, and presented as serum ALT elevations in addition to re-emergence of viral replication. In the HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative studies in patients with compensated liver function, the exacerbations were not generally accompanied by hepatic decompensation. However, patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis may be at higher risk for hepatic decompensation. Although most events appear to have been self-limited or resolved with re-initiation of treatment, severe hepatitis exacerbations, including fatalities, have been reported. Therefore, patients should be closely monitored after stopping treatment. 5.2 Nephrotoxicity Nephrotoxicity characterized by a delayed onset of gradual increases in serum creatinine and decreases in serum phosphorus was historically shown to be the treatment-limiting toxicity of adefovir dipivoxil therapy at substantially higher doses in HIV-infected patients (60 and 120 mg daily) and in chronic hepatitis B patients (30 mg daily). Chronic administration of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets (10 mg once daily) may result in delayed nephrotoxicity. The overall risk of nephrotoxicity in patients with adequate renal function is low. However, this is of special importance in patients at risk of or having underlying renal dysfunction and patients taking concomitant nephrotoxic agents such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, aminoglycosides, vancomycin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [See Adverse Reactions (6.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . It is recommended that creatinine clearance is calculated in all patients prior to initiating therapy with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. It is important to monitor renal function for all patients during treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, particularly for those with pre-existing or other risks for renal impairment. Patients with renal insufficiency at baseline or during treatment may require dose adjustment [See Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . The risks and benefits of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets treatment should be carefully evaluated prior to discontinuing Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in a patient with treatment-emergent nephrotoxicity. Pediatric Patients The efficacy and safety of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets have not been studied in patients less than 18 years of age with different degrees of renal impairment and no data are available to make dosage recommendations in these patients [See Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. Caution should be exercised when prescribing Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets to adolescents with underlying renal dysfunction, and renal function in these patients should be closely monitored. 5.3 HIV Resistance Prior to initiating adefovir dipivoxil therapy, HIV antibody testing should be offered to all patients. Treatment with anti-hepatitis B therapies, such as Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, that have activity against HIV in a chronic hepatitis B patient with unrecognized or untreated HIV infection may result in emergence of HIV resistance. Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets has not been shown to suppress HIV RNA in patients; however, there are limited data on the use of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets to treat patients with chronic hepatitis B co-infected with HIV. 5.4 Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs alone or in combination with antiretrovirals. A majority of these cases have been in women. Obesity and prolonged nucleoside exposure may be risk factors. Particular caution should be exercised when administering nucleoside analogs to any patient with known risk factors for liver disease; however, cases have also been reported in patients with no known risk factors. Treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets therapy should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity (which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked transaminase elevations). 5.5 Coadministration with Other Products Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets should not be used concurrently with products containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide. 5.6 Clinical Resistance Resistance to adefovir dipivoxil can result in viral load rebound which may result in exacerbation of hepatitis B and, in the setting of diminished hepatic function, lead to liver decompensation and possible fatal outcome. In order to reduce the risk of resistance in patients with lamivudine resistant HBV, adefovir dipivoxil should be used in combination with lamivudine and not as adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy. In order to reduce the risk of resistance in all patients receiving adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy, a modification of treatment should be considered if serum HBV DNA remains above 1000 copies/mL with continued treatment. Long-term (144 week) data from Study 438 (N=124) show that patients with HBV DNA levels greater than 1000 copies/mL at Week 48 of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil were at greater risk of developing resistance than patients with serum HBV DNA levels below 1000 copies/mL at Week 48 of therapy. 5.1 Exacerbation of Hepatitis after Discontinuation of Treatment Severe acute exacerbation of hepatitis has been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-hepatitis B therapy, including therapy with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Hepatic function should be monitored at repeated intervals with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. In clinical trials of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, exacerbations of hepatitis (ALT elevations 10 times the upper limit of normal or greater) occurred in up to 25% of patients after discontinuation of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. These events were identified in studies GS-98-437 and GS-98-438 (N=492). Most of these events occurred within 12 weeks of drug discontinuation. These exacerbations generally occurred in the absence of HBeAg seroconversion, and presented as serum ALT elevations in addition to re-emergence of viral replication. In the HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative studies in patients with compensated liver function, the exacerbations were not generally accompanied by hepatic decompensation. However, patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis may be at higher risk for hepatic decompensation. Although most events appear to have been self-limited or resolved with re-initiation of treatment, severe hepatitis exacerbations, including fatalities, have been reported. Therefore, patients should be closely monitored after stopping treatment. 5.2 Nephrotoxicity Nephrotoxicity characterized by a delayed onset of gradual increases in serum creatinine and decreases in serum phosphorus was historically shown to be the treatment-limiting toxicity of adefovir dipivoxil therapy at substantially higher doses in HIV-infected patients (60 and 120 mg daily) and in chronic hepatitis B patients (30 mg daily). Chronic administration of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets (10 mg once daily) may result in delayed nephrotoxicity. The overall risk of nephrotoxicity in patients with adequate renal function is low. However, this is of special importance in patients at risk of or having underlying renal dysfunction and patients taking concomitant nephrotoxic agents such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, aminoglycosides, vancomycin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [See Adverse Reactions (6.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . It is recommended that creatinine clearance is calculated in all patients prior to initiating therapy with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. It is important to monitor renal function for all patients during treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, particularly for those with pre-existing or other risks for renal impairment. Patients with renal insufficiency at baseline or during treatment may require dose adjustment [See Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . The risks and benefits of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets treatment should be carefully evaluated prior to discontinuing Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in a patient with treatment-emergent nephrotoxicity. Pediatric Patients The efficacy and safety of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets have not been studied in patients less than 18 years of age with different degrees of renal impairment and no data are available to make dosage recommendations in these patients [See Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. Caution should be exercised when prescribing Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets to adolescents with underlying renal dysfunction, and renal function in these patients should be closely monitored. 5.3 HIV Resistance Prior to initiating adefovir dipivoxil therapy, HIV antibody testing should be offered to all patients. Treatment with anti-hepatitis B therapies, such as Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, that have activity against HIV in a chronic hepatitis B patient with unrecognized or untreated HIV infection may result in emergence of HIV resistance. Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets has not been shown to suppress HIV RNA in patients; however, there are limited data on the use of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets to treat patients with chronic hepatitis B co-infected with HIV. 5.4 Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs alone or in combination with antiretrovirals. A majority of these cases have been in women. Obesity and prolonged nucleoside exposure may be risk factors. Particular caution should be exercised when administering nucleoside analogs to any patient with known risk factors for liver disease; however, cases have also been reported in patients with no known risk factors. Treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets therapy should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity (which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked transaminase elevations). 5.5 Coadministration with Other Products Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets should not be used concurrently with products containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide. 5.6 Clinical Resistance Resistance to adefovir dipivoxil can result in viral load rebound which may result in exacerbation of hepatitis B and, in the setting of diminished hepatic function, lead to liver decompensation and possible fatal outcome. In order to reduce the risk of resistance in patients with lamivudine resistant HBV, adefovir dipivoxil should be used in combination with lamivudine and not as adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy. In order to reduce the risk of resistance in all patients receiving adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy, a modification of treatment should be considered if serum HBV DNA remains above 1000 copies/mL with continued treatment. Long-term (144 week) data from Study 438 (N=124) show that patients with HBV DNA levels greater than 1000 copies/mL at Week 48 of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil were at greater risk of developing resistance than patients with serum HBV DNA levels below 1000 copies/mL at Week 48 of therapy.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Since adefovir is eliminated by the kidney, coadministration of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase serum concentrations of either adefovir and/or these coadministered drugs [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Patients should be monitored closely for adverse events when Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets are coadministered with drugs that are excreted renally or with other drugs known to affect renal function [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets should not be administered in combination with VIREAD [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Coadministration with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase serum concentrations of adefovir or the coadministered drug. Monitor for Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets associated adverse events. ( 7 )
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Severe acute exacerbations of Hepatitis [See Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Nephrotoxicity [See Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common adverse reaction (incidence greater than 5%) in compensated liver disease patients were asthenia, headache, abdominal pain and nausea. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reacion in pre- and post-transplantation lamivudine-resistant liver disease patients was increased creatinine. ( 6.2 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sigmapharm Laboratories at (1-215-352-6655 ) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical and laboratory evidence of exacerbations of hepatitis have occurred after discontinuation of treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Adverse reactions to Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets identified from placebo-controlled and open label studies include the following: asthenia, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, increased creatinine, and hypophosphatemia. The incidence of these adverse reactions in studies 437 and 438, where 522 patients with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease received double-blind treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets (N=294) or placebo (N=228) for 48 weeks is presented in Table 2. Patients who received open-label Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets for up to 240 weeks in Study 438 reported adverse reactions similar in nature and severity to those reported in the first 48 weeks. Table 2 Adverse Reactions (Grades 1–4) Reported in ≥3% of All Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets-Treated Patients in Pooled Studies 437–438 Studies (0–48 Weeks) a Adverse Reaction Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets 10 mg (N=294) Placebo (N=228) Asthenia 13% 14% Headache 9% 10% Abdominal Pain 9% 11% Nausea 5% 8% Flatulence 4% 4% Diarrhea 3% 4% Dyspepsia 3% 2% a In these studies, the overall incidence of adverse reactions with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets was similar to that reported with placebo. The incidence of adverse reactions is derived from treatment-related events as identified by the study investigators. No patients treated with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets developed a confirmed serum creatinine increase greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline or confirmed phosphorus decrease to 2 mg/dL or less by Week 48. By Week 96, 2% of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets-treated patients, by Kaplan-Meier estimate, had increases in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline (no placebo-controlled results were available for comparison beyond Week 48). For patients who chose to continue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets for up to 240 weeks in Study 438, 4 of 125 patients (3%) had a confirmed increase of 0.5 mg/dL from baseline. The creatinine elevation resolved in 1 patient who permanently discontinued treatment and remained stable in 3 patients who continued treatment. For 65 patients who chose to continue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets for up to 240 weeks in Study 437, 6 had a confirmed increase in serum creatinine of greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline with 2 patients discontinuing from the study due to the elevated serum creatinine concentration. See Adverse Reactions (6.2) for changes in serum creatinine in patients with underlying renal insufficiency at baseline. 6.2 Special Risk Patients Pre- and Post-Liver Transplantation Patients Additional adverse reactions observed from an open-label study (Study 435) in pre- and post- liver transplantation patients with chronic hepatitis B and lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B administered Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets once daily for up to 203 weeks include: abnormal renal function, renal failure, vomiting, rash, and pruritus. Changes in renal function occurred in pre-and post-liver transplantation patients with risk factors for renal dysfunction, including concomitant use of cyclosporine and tacrolimus, renal insufficiency at baseline, hypertension, diabetes, and on-study transplantation. Therefore, the contributory role of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets to these changes in renal function is difficult to assess. Increases in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 0.3 mg/dL from baseline were observed in 37% and 53% of pre-liver transplantation patients by Weeks 48 and 96, respectively, by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Increases in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 0.3 mg/dL from baseline were observed in 32% and 51% of post-liver transplantation patients by Weeks 48 and 96, respectively, by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Serum phosphorus values less than 2 mg/dL were observed in 3/226 (1.3%) of pre-liver transplantation patients and in 6/241 (2.5%) of post-liver transplantation patients by last study visit. Four percent (19 of 467) of patients discontinued treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets due to renal adverse events. 6.3 Pediatric Patients Assessment of adverse reactions is based on a placebo-controlled study (Study 518) in which 173 pediatric patients aged 2 to less than 18 years with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease received double-blind treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets (N=115), or placebo (N=58) for 48 weeks [See Clinical Studies (14.4) and Use In Specific Populations (8.4) ] . The safety profile of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in patients 12 to less than 18 years of age (N=56) was similar to that observed in adults. No pediatric patients treated with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets developed a confirmed serum creatinine increase greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline or a confirmed phosphorus decrease to less than 2 mg/dL by Week 48. 6.4 Post-Marketing Experience In addition to adverse reaction reports from clinical trials, the following possible adverse reactions have also been identified during post-approval use of adefovir dipivoxil. Because these events have been reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: hypophosphatemia Gastrointestinal Disorders: pancreatitis Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disorders: myopathy, osteomalacia (manifested as bone pain and may contribute to fractures), both associated with proximal renal tubulopathy Renal and Urinary Disorders: renal failure, Fanconi syndrome, proximal renal tubulopathy 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical and laboratory evidence of exacerbations of hepatitis have occurred after discontinuation of treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. Adverse reactions to Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets identified from placebo-controlled and open label studies include the following: asthenia, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, increased creatinine, and hypophosphatemia. The incidence of these adverse reactions in studies 437 and 438, where 522 patients with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease received double-blind treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets (N=294) or placebo (N=228) for 48 weeks is presented in Table 2. Patients who received open-label Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets for up to 240 weeks in Study 438 reported adverse reactions similar in nature and severity to those reported in the first 48 weeks. Table 2 Adverse Reactions (Grades 1–4) Reported in ≥3% of All Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets-Treated Patients in Pooled Studies 437–438 Studies (0–48 Weeks) a Adverse Reaction Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets 10 mg (N=294) Placebo (N=228) Asthenia 13% 14% Headache 9% 10% Abdominal Pain 9% 11% Nausea 5% 8% Flatulence 4% 4% Diarrhea 3% 4% Dyspepsia 3% 2% a In these studies, the overall incidence of adverse reactions with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets was similar to that reported with placebo. The incidence of adverse reactions is derived from treatment-related events as identified by the study investigators. No patients treated with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets developed a confirmed serum creatinine increase greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline or confirmed phosphorus decrease to 2 mg/dL or less by Week 48. By Week 96, 2% of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets-treated patients, by Kaplan-Meier estimate, had increases in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline (no placebo-controlled results were available for comparison beyond Week 48). For patients who chose to continue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets for up to 240 weeks in Study 438, 4 of 125 patients (3%) had a confirmed increase of 0.5 mg/dL from baseline. The creatinine elevation resolved in 1 patient who permanently discontinued treatment and remained stable in 3 patients who continued treatment. For 65 patients who chose to continue Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets for up to 240 weeks in Study 437, 6 had a confirmed increase in serum creatinine of greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline with 2 patients discontinuing from the study due to the elevated serum creatinine concentration. See Adverse Reactions (6.2) for changes in serum creatinine in patients with underlying renal insufficiency at baseline. 6.2 Special Risk Patients Pre- and Post-Liver Transplantation Patients Additional adverse reactions observed from an open-label study (Study 435) in pre- and post- liver transplantation patients with chronic hepatitis B and lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B administered Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets once daily for up to 203 weeks include: abnormal renal function, renal failure, vomiting, rash, and pruritus. Changes in renal function occurred in pre-and post-liver transplantation patients with risk factors for renal dysfunction, including concomitant use of cyclosporine and tacrolimus, renal insufficiency at baseline, hypertension, diabetes, and on-study transplantation. Therefore, the contributory role of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets to these changes in renal function is difficult to assess. Increases in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 0.3 mg/dL from baseline were observed in 37% and 53% of pre-liver transplantation patients by Weeks 48 and 96, respectively, by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Increases in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 0.3 mg/dL from baseline were observed in 32% and 51% of post-liver transplantation patients by Weeks 48 and 96, respectively, by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Serum phosphorus values less than 2 mg/dL were observed in 3/226 (1.3%) of pre-liver transplantation patients and in 6/241 (2.5%) of post-liver transplantation patients by last study visit. Four percent (19 of 467) of patients discontinued treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets due to renal adverse events. 6.3 Pediatric Patients Assessment of adverse reactions is based on a placebo-controlled study (Study 518) in which 173 pediatric patients aged 2 to less than 18 years with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease received double-blind treatment with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets (N=115), or placebo (N=58) for 48 weeks [See Clinical Studies (14.4) and Use In Specific Populations (8.4) ] . The safety profile of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets in patients 12 to less than 18 years of age (N=56) was similar to that observed in adults. No pediatric patients treated with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets developed a confirmed serum creatinine increase greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/dL from baseline or a confirmed phosphorus decrease to less than 2 mg/dL by Week 48. 6.4 Post-Marketing Experience In addition to adverse reaction reports from clinical trials, the following possible adverse reactions have also been identified during post-approval use of adefovir dipivoxil. Because these events have been reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: hypophosphatemia Gastrointestinal Disorders: pancreatitis Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disorders: myopathy, osteomalacia (manifested as bone pain and may contribute to fractures), both associated with proximal renal tubulopathy Renal and Urinary Disorders: renal failure, Fanconi syndrome, proximal renal tubulopathy
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Prospective pregnancy data from the APR are not sufficient to adequately assess the risk of birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Adefovir disoproxil (ADV) use during pregnancy has been evaluated in a limited number of individuals reported to the APR and the number of exposures to adefovir is insufficient to make a risk assessment compared to a reference population. The estimated background rate for major birth defects is 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP). The estimated rate of miscarriage is not reported in the APR. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background rate of miscarriage in the U.S. general population is 15–20%. In animal reproduction studies with oral ADV, no adverse developmental effects were observed at exposures (C max ) 23 times higher in rats and 40 times higher in rabbits than those at the recommended human dose (RHD) of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets ( see Data ). Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study, ADV was administered orally to pregnant rabbits (at 1, 5, or 20 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis (on gestation day 6 through 18). No adverse developmental effects were observed at up to the highest dose tested, at systemic exposure (C max ) 40 times that in humans at the RHD of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. In a pre/post-natal development study, ADV was administered orally to pregnant rats (at 2.5, 10, or 40 mg/kg/day) from organogenesis, through late gestation, delivery, and lactation (gestation day 7 to lactation/postpartum day 20). Reduced body weight of the offspring due to maternal toxicity was observed at systemic exposure 23 times that in humans at the RHD of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. In an embryo-fetal development study, ADV was administered intravenously to pregnant rats (at 2.5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis (gestation day 6 through 15). Embryo-fetal toxicity including malformations (anasarca, depressed eye bulge, umbilical hernia and kinked tail) and skeletal variations (reduction of ossified metacarpal bones, increases in thoracic vertebrae and decreases in lumbar vertebrae) occurred at systemic exposure (C max ) 38 times that in humans at the RHD of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets. No adverse developmental effects were observed at an exposure (C max ) 12 times that in humans at the RHD of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How Adefovir dipivoxil appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

70%

3,842 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 4

On 58% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

5%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)65
20%
Tier 2 (generic)59
18%
Tier 3 (preferred brand)11
3%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)190
58%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 18% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 325 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

Related drugs

How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
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