Abstract
AIM: To analyze the clinical features and risk factors
of adverse reactions associated with telbivudine.
METHODS: Cl inical data were col lected from
cases that presented with serious adverse reactions
to telbivudine. We analyzed general information
and medicine status, clinical features, results of
examination, and misdiagnosis.
RESULTS: Out of 105 patients who were treated with
telbivudine for hepatitis B in an outpatient department
from January, 2007 to January, 2008, five presented
with serious adverse drug reactions. Most of these
five patients had used other nucleoside analogues
in the past. Four were treated with a combination
of telbivudine and interferon or another nucleoside
analogue, while the other received an increased dose
of telbivudine. The main adverse reactions were
myalgia and general weakness. This was accompanied
by cardiac arrhythmia in one patient, and nervous
symptoms in three. Serum creatine kinase was
elevated. The rate of misdiagnosis was high.
CONCLUSION: The adverse reactions were related
to telbivudine, but the biological mechanism of the
reactions is not yet clear. Combination therapy with
interferon or another nucleoside analogue and a high
dose may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
