Entecavir

Information about Entecavir

Entecavir Uses

Entecavir is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

How Entecavir works

Entecavir is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Common side effects of Entecavir

Increased alanine aminotransferase
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Sakshi Sharma
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
17 Jun 2020 | 04:58 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Entecavir

EntehepZydus Cadila
₹769 to ₹41014 variant(s)
EntalivDr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
₹2331 to ₹26593 variant(s)
EntavirCipla Ltd
₹790 to ₹12192 variant(s)
X VirNatco Pharma Ltd
₹2097 to ₹42402 variant(s)
BaracludeBMS India Pvt Ltd
₹745 to ₹62103 variant(s)
HepaloEmcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹7441 variant(s)
CronivirHetero Drugs Ltd
₹26591 variant(s)
AlentosWockhardt Ltd
₹7771 variant(s)
EntecaSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹8191 variant(s)
EncureEmcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹7901 variant(s)

Expert advice for Entecavir

  • You have been prescribed Entecavir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
  • Take it on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after or before a meal.
  • Entecavir may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
  • You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
  • During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.

Frequently asked questions for Entecavir

Entecavir

Q. How should Entecavir be taken?

You should take Entecavir exactly as prescribed by your doctor and continue taking it till your doctor tells you to stop. 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. It is advised to take it around the same time every day. If not sure, consult your doctor.

Q. Can Entecavir cause liver problems?

Yes, Entecavir can cause serious liver problems like hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) and steatosis (an increased build-up of fat in the liver). It is important to know that hepatomegaly along with steatosis is a serious medical emergency which requires immediate medical attention.

Q. What are the symptoms of serious liver problems?

The symptoms of liver problems include jaundice (a condition in which your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow), dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea and stomach pain. These symptoms are more common in women, overweight patients, or if you have been on Entecavir for a long time. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience any such symptoms.

Q. What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with Entecavir?

Drug resistance is a state where the medicine which was once effective in treating an infection becomes ineffective. This mainly happens due to the ability acquired by the virus or bacteria to get modified inside the body which affects the overall working of the medicine. Hence, the medicine is no longer able to fight against the virus or bacteria. Generally, drug resistance with Entecavir is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.

Q. How long should I take Entecavir?

Do not stop taking entecavir without consulting your doctor. Stopping entecavir before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can happen during the first several months after you stop taking entecavir. Take the medicine strictly as advised and do not miss any dose.

Q. What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Entecavir?

The use of Entecavir is not recommended in HBV patients who are also diagnosed with HIV, until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Entecavir in such patients may cause resistance to the prescribed HIV medicines. Therefore, doctors recommend tests for HIV in patients diagnosed with HBV infection before starting treatment with Entecavir.

Q. Can Entecavir cure hepatitis B?

No, Entecavir does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. The medicine may help decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present in the body. This is done by limiting the ability of HBV to multiply and further infect new liver cells.

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