Telbivudine

Patients who have swelling of the liver due to chronic Hepatitis B may take telbivudine. This medication decreases the amount of Hepatitis B virus in the body in order to reduce swelling and damage to the liver. The medication does not cure Hepatitis B, but can be used to keep symptoms under control.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause liver damage itself. It can also cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called lactic acidosis, in which lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream as a result of improper liver functioning. Seek emergency medical treatment if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice
• Brown urine
• Tarry, black stools
• Extreme fatigue