Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) for Chronic Hepatitis B
What To Think About
It is important to talk to your doctor about all the medicines and herbal remedies you are taking. These may affect how well your medicine for chronic hepatitis B works.
After treatment with any type of NRTI is stopped, your infection may come back (relapse), and you may need to start taking the same or a different medicine again.
There have been some studies combining lamivudine with peginterferon. The studies have had different results about how well combining these medicines works compared to using only one medicine.Reference 9, Reference 10
Adefovir may affect how well medicines for Reference HIV Opens New Window work.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
