Entecavir
About Entecavir
Entecavir is used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis B is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is highly contagious and spreads through intimate contact with the infected person and direct contact with infected blood.
Entecavir contains Entecavir, which helps prevent the virus from replicating and reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.
Take Entecavir as advised by the doctor. In some cases, you may experience dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, extreme tiredness, inability to sleep, diarrhoea, or indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, if the side effects worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Entecavir or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before taking Entecavir. It is recommended to use effective contraceptive methods while using Entecavir to avoid pregnancy. If you have HIV/AIDS, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Entecavir.
Uses of Entecavir
• Treatment of Chronic HBV Infection in Adults: Entecavir is indicated for adults with chronic HBV infection, including those with compensated liver disease (liver is damaged but still functions properly) and decompensated liver disease (liver is damaged and no longer functions properly).
• Treatment of Chronic HBV Infection in Children: Entecavir is also used to treat chronic HBV infection in children and adolescents aged 2 to under 18 years who have compensated liver disease.
Medicinal Benefits
- Effectively inhibits the growth of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- Lowers ALT/AST levels and liver inflammation.
- Inhibits or slows the development of cirrhosis.
- Reduces the chance of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and liver failure.
- Enhances liver health over the long run with ongoing treatment.
Directions for Use
- Entecavir can be taken on an empty stomach, preferably 2 hours before or after a meal.
- It is usually taken once daily at the same time each day or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Entecavir as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Entecavir
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Extreme tiredness
- Insomnia (inability to sleep)
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
Drug Warnings
- If you are allergic to Entecavir or any other medicines, please tell your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before taking Entecavir.
- It is recommended to use effective contraceptive methods while using Entecavir to avoid pregnancy.
- Entecavir is not recommended for children below 2 years of age.
- Inform your doctor if you experience stomach pain, vomiting or nausea while taking Entecavir, as it might indicate the development of lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in blood), a rare but serious side effect.
- If you have HIV/AIDS or kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Entecavir.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Entecavir may interact with certain medicines and increase side effects. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines.
- Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, gentamicin)
• Potential effect: May cause increased risk of kidney damage. - Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
• Potential effect: May cause increased levels of Entecavir.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Entecavir, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- HIV/AIDS
- Kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Entecavir is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Entecavir.
Pregnancy
cautionEntecavir is a category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Entecavir is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionEntecavir may cause dizziness, drowsiness or tiredness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy or tired after taking Entecavir.
Liver
cautionTake Entecavir with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionTake Entecavir with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionEntecavir is not recommended for children below 2 years or weighing less than 10 kg. However, in children above 2 years, Entecavir should be used with caution and doses prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy eating habits:
- Eat a liver-friendly, well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains.
- Reduce liver strain by limiting processed, fried, and fatty foods.
- Eat meals at regular times and drink plenty of water.
Lifestyle changes:
- Avoid alcohol entirely to safeguard your liver.
- Maintain a healthy weight by engaging in moderate exercise.
Physical activity
- Regularly engage in light to moderate exercise, such as yoga or walking.
- Steer clear of overdoing it if you're feeling weak or exhausted.
- To lessen liver strain, maintain a healthy weight.
Special Advise
You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with the hepatitis B virus to prevent infection from spreading to others through sexual contact or body fluids.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis B: It is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is highly contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through intimate contact with the infected person, direct contact with infected blood, being pricked with a contaminated needle, using a razor or any other personal items with leftovers of infected fluid or even transfer from mother to baby during birth. The virus can live for up to 7 days outside the body. Chronic hepatitis B develops slowly, and the symptoms may not be clear unless complications develop. The symptoms of hepatitis B may appear after 3 months of exposure to the virus and can last for 2 to 12 weeks. The complications of chronic hepatitis B include liver failure, liver cancer or liver cirrhosis (scarring). Hepatitis B can be prevented by getting vaccinated.
FAQs
Entecavir is used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
Entecavir contains Entecavir, an antiviral drug that works by preventing viral DNA polymerase enzyme action in the liver cells, which is essential for the virus to multiply. Therefore, it prevents the virus from replicating and reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.
Yes, hepatitis B virus infection is highly contagious and spreads from one person to another. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sharing personal items or needles containing an infected person's blood or body fluids.
Entecavir may cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but severe side effect, especially in women who are very obese. However, if you experience stomach pain, vomiting or nausea while taking Entecavir, please consult a doctor immediately.
You are not recommended to take Entecavir with celecoxib (painkiller), as it may increase the blood levels of Entecavir, leading to more adverse effects and may also affect kidney function. However, please consult your doctor before taking Entecavir with other medicines.
Entecavir does not cure hepatitis B virus infection. Entecavir reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body and improves liver functioning by decreasing liver damage.
Entecavir is not recommended for hepatitis B patients with HIV infection unless they are taking medicines to treat HIV infection at the same time, as Entecavir may cause HIV infection to become resistant to certain HIV drugs and reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, it is advised to get tested for HIV infection before taking Entecavir.
You are not recommended to stop taking Entecavir without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen the infection or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Entecavir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you experience any difficulty while taking Entecavir, please consult your doctor.
Entecavir may cause side effects like dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, extreme tiredness, inability to sleep, diarrhoea, or indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, if the side effects worsen, please consult your doctor.
