Entecavir

Entecavir
Entecavir

Uses

Entecavir is used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in adults and children 2 years of age and older who have liver damage. Entecavir is in a class of medications called nucleoside analogs. It works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the body. Entecavir does not cure HBV and may not prevent complications of chronic hepatitis B such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

Entecavir does not prevent the spread of HBV to other people.

Side Effects Of Entecavir

Entecavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:

  • headache

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the symptoms listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately.

Entecavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking entecavir:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to entecavir, or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in entecavir tablets or oral solution. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take with entecavir. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNING section and any of the following: aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobi); or medications to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or tacrolimus (Prograf). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have had a liver transplant (surgery to replace a diseased liver) or if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking entecavir, call your doctor. Do not breastfeed while you are taking entecavir.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking entecavir.

Entecavir Dosage

Entecavir comes as a tablet and solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal, and at least 2 hours before the next meal. Take entecavir at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take entecavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To use the entecavir oral solution, follow these steps:

  • Hold the spoon that came with your medication upright and slowly fill it with entecavir solution up to the mark that matches your dose.
  • Hold the spoon with the volume marks facing you and check to see that the top of the liquid is level with the mark that matches your dose.
  • Swallow the medication right from the measuring spoon. Do not mix the medication with water or any other liquid.
  • Rinse the spoon with water after each use, and allow it to air dry.
  • Put the spoon in a safe place where it will not get lost because you will need to use it every time you take your medication. If you do lose the dosing spoon, call your doctor or pharmacist.

Other

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription of entecavir.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Source

All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.