What is Entecavir?
Entecavir is an antiviral drug for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) in children and adults that are at least 2 years old and weigh a minimum of 22,5 pounds (10 kg).
Entecavir is not an effective treatment for hepatitis. It isn't known if it will stop the development of cirrhosis or cancer of the liver.Entecavir is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Entecavir
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing warning signs of allergic reactions like hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Some people taking entecavir experience the condition known as lactic acidosis, which can be fatal. You should seek medical assistance immediately in the event that you experience even minor symptoms, such as:
- Unusual muscle pain;
- Feeling cold;
- Trouble breathing
- Experiencing lightheadedness, dizziness, being exhausted, fatigued, or weak;
- Stomach pain, vomiting,
- Heartbeats that are irregular or fast
Entecavir can also trigger severe liver problems. Contact your physician immediately if you notice swelling around your midsection, nausea, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowish stool, or jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin).
Common negative effects of entecavir include:
- Nausea;
- Fatigue, dizziness,
- Headache.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
There is no need to use entecavir if you suffer from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is not being treated.
It is possible to be diagnosed with an illness called lactic acidosis. This is a serious buildup of lactic acid in your blood. Consult your doctor or seek medical assistance immediately in the event of an unusually painful muscle, difficulty breathing, stomach discomfort, dizziness, experiencing coldness, or feeling extremely tired or weak.
Hepatitis B could be active or worse when you stop taking the drug entcavir. You could require regular liver function tests over many months.
Before you Take this Drug
There is no need to use entecavir if you are sensitive to the drug or also suffer from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which isn't being treated.
It is possible that you will require a test for HIV prior to beginning entecavir. Taking medicine for chronic hepatitis B could cause HIV disease to develop resistance against certain HIV as well as AIDS medicines.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- HIV and AIDS (or if you've experienced HIV);
- Kidney disease;
- Problems with the liver that are different from HBV
- A liver transplant,
- If you take lamivudine as well (Epivir, Epzicom, Trizivir) or telbivudine (Tyzeka).
Discuss with your doctor all the drugs you've taken to treat HBV B before. Entecavir might not be your best choice if you've previously taken other medicines to treat HBV.
There is a chance that you will be diagnosed with the condition known as lactic acidosis. It is a risky buildup of lactic acid within your blood. It is more likely if you're overweight, have been taking antiviral medications for a long time, or are a female. Talk to your doctor regarding your risks.Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
If you're expecting and you are a registered mother, your name could be added to the registry for pregnancy to monitor any effects that entecavir has on the baby.
How to Take Entecavir?
Follow all instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Follow the medication precisely as directed.Consume entecavir with an empty stomach at least 2 hours prior to or 2 hours after eating.
Take care when measuring liquid medicine by using the dosing syringe along with your medication (not a spoon from the kitchen). Follow and carefully read any instructions that are included with your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist for clarification if you are unsure of these directions.Doses of entecavir depend on weight (especially for teenagers and children).
Take entecavir on a regular basis to reap maximum benefit and prevent your condition from getting worse. Contact your physician in the event that your symptoms of hepatitis don't improve or become worse.Don't alter the dose or frequency of dosing without consulting your physician. Everyone suffering from HBV should be under the supervision of a physician.
Keep entecavir in a cool, dry place far from heat, moisture, and light. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed when not being used.
Keep the oral liquid bottle in its original container. Get rid of any unopened oral fluid containing entecavir once the expiration date printed on the bottle has passed.
Hepatitis B could develop or become more severe during the time following when you stop taking entecavir. It is possible that you will require frequent tests for liver function while taking entecavir for a number of months following your last dose.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
Refill your prescription prior to the expiration date of your medication.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Entecavir is not a way to stop the spread of your illness. Don't engage in sexual activity that is not protected or share toothbrushes, razors, or razors. Consult your physician regarding safe methods to avoid HBV transmission during sexual contact. Sharing needles for medicine or drugs is not a good idea, even for healthy individuals.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Other medications may interact with the entecavir drug, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking and any medications you begin or stop taking.
