ENTECAVIR - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (en-TEK-a-vir)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Baraclude
GENERIC NAME(S): entecavir
Uses
USES: See also Warning section. Entecavir is used to treat long-term hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Long-term infection can cause liver damage, rarely liver cancer, and liver failure. Entecavir helps to decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus in your body. It is unknown if this medication lowers your chance of getting liver cancer or liver damage. Entecavir is an antiviral that belongs to a class of drugs known as hepatitis B virus nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Entecavir is not a cure for hepatitis B. It does not prevent the spread of the virus to others through sexual contact or blood/body fluid contamination (such as sharing used needles).
How to use ENTECAVIR - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking entecavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal) as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking entecavir oral liquid, carefully measure your dose with the medicine spoon provided. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Swallow the medicine directly from the measuring spoon. Do not mix the medication with water or other liquids. Rinse the spoon with water after each use. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight. It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects. See also Warning section. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
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Faq for ENTECAVIR - ORAL
Entecavir is an oral antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis B infection.
Entecavir works by inhibiting the replication of the hepatitis B virus, thus reducing the viral load in the body and preventing further damage to the liver.
Entecavir is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or after a meal. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to be consistent with the timing of the dose.
Common side effects of Entecavir include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it may cause liver problems or a severe allergic reaction. It is important to notify your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms while taking Entecavir.
While Entecavir can effectively suppress the replication of the hepatitis B virus, it cannot cure the infection. It is used to manage the infection and prevent further liver damage.
The duration of Entecavir treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of the infection and the response to the medication. In most cases, treatment is long-term and may last several years or even be indefinite.
If you miss a dose of Entecavir, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
It is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Entecavir, as alcohol can cause additional liver damage.
Before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications may interact with Entecavir and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
Warning
WARNING: Rarely, entecavir may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems and lactic acid build-up in the blood (lactic acidosis). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness/weakness, deep/fast breathing, unusual drowsiness, unusual muscle pain, feeling cold in your arms/legs, fast/irregular heartbeat. These side effects may occur more often in women and obese patients. Your hepatitis B infection may get worse if you stop taking entecavir. Do not stop this medication without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver for several months after you stop entecavir. This medication is not recommended if you have both HIV and hepatitis B and are not receiving effective treatment for HIV. This drug does not treat HIV, and it can cause certain HIV medications to become ineffective. Get an HIV test before starting this medication, and get tested again anytime you may have become infected. Consult your doctor for more details.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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