Telbivudine is an antiviral that belongs to a class of drugs known as hepatitis B virus nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used to treat long-term hepatitis B infection. Telbivudine helps to decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus in your body. Persistent infection can cause liver damage, rarely liver cancer, and liver failure. Telbivudine is not a cure for hepatitis B infection, and it does not prevent the spread of the virus.
How to use telbivudine
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking telbivudine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment.
It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.