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Telbivudine

Information about Telbivudine

Telbivudine uses

Telbivudine is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

How telbivudine works

Telbivudine is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Common side effects of telbivudine

Fatigue, Headache, Nausea, Fever, Dizziness, Muscle pain, Joint pain, Rash, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Elevated levels of serum amylase, Increased lipase in the blood, Increased alanine aminotransferase, Cough, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Taste change, Hypoesthesia (decreased sensitivity to stimuli), Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Sciatica, Pain in extremities, Rhabdomyolysis, Lactic acidosis

Available Medicine for Telbivudine

  • Sebivo
    ₹2800
    Novartis India Ltd
    1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Telbivudine

  • You have been prescribed Telbivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
  • In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections.
  • Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
  • Telbivudine may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
  • You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
  • During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.

Frequently asked questions for Telbivudine

Telbivudine

Q. How should Telbivudine be taken?
You should take Telbivudine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and continue taking it till your doctor tells you to stop. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal and at least 2 hours before the next meal. It is advised to take it around the same time every day.
Q. Is Telbivudine effective?
Telbivudine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Telbivudine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with Telbivudine?
Drug resistance is a state where the medicine which was once effective in treating an infection becomes ineffective. This mainly happens due to the ability acquired by the virus or bacteria to get modified inside the body which affects the overall working of the medicine. Hence, the medicine is no longer able to fight against the virus or bacteria. Generally, drug resistance with Telbivudine is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.
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Q. How long should I take Telbivudine?
Do not stop taking entecavir without consulting your doctor. Stopping entecavir before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can happen during the first several months after you stop taking entecavir. Take the medicine strictly as advised and do not miss any dose.
Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Telbivudine?
If you forget a dose of Telbivudine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
Q. What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Telbivudine?
In HBV patients who are diagnosed with HIV, Telbivudine is not recommended until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Telbivudine in such patients may cause resistance to the prescribed HIV medicines. Therefore, doctors recommend tests for HIV in patients diagnosed with HBV infection before starting treatment with Telbivudine.
Q. Can Telbivudine cure hepatitis B?
No, Telbivudine does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. It may decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present in the body. This is done by limiting the ability of HBV to multiply and further infect new liver cells.

Content on this page was last updated on 13 June, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)