Tyzeka

Generic name:telbivudine [ tel-BIV-yoo-deen ]
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 18, 2022.

What is Tyzeka?

Tyzeka is an antiviral medicine that prevents a virus from multiplying in the body and infecting new liver cells.

Tyzeka is used to treat chronic hepatitis B (HBV) in people who are at least 16 years old.

Tyzeka will not cure hepatitis.

Warnings

Tyzeka may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

Tyzeka can also cause serious liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have: swelling around your midsection, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Tyzeka can also cause muscle or nerve problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have numbness, tingling, burning in your arms or legs, trouble walking, or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking Tyzeka. Your liver function may need to be checked for several months after you stop using telbivudine.

Tyzeka side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Tyzeka: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking telbivudine. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as:

• muscle pain or weakness;

• numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs;

• trouble breathing;

• feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak;

• stomach pain, nausea with vomiting; or

• fast or irregular heart rate.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• numbness, tingling, burning in your arms or legs, trouble walking;

• fever, unusual tiredness; or

• liver problems - swelling around your midsection, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common Tyzeka side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, feeling tired;

• fever, cough, sore throat;

• muscle or joint pain, back pain;

• nausea, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• rash; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FD...