Baraclude Description:
Entecavir is an antiviral medication. Entecavir inhibits the reproduction of viruses in the body.
• Entecavir is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
What is the most important information I should know about entecavir? |
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Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of entecavir, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath ; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems. |
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Some people who have taken medicines like entecavir have developed serious liver problems called hepatotoxicity, with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if; your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), your urine turns dark, your bowel movements (stools) turn light in color, you don't feel like eating food for several days or longer, you feel sick to your stomach (nausea) or if you have lower stomach pain. These may be early symptoms of liver problems. |
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Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Entecavir does not reduce the risk of passing hepatitis B virus to others. |
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Entecavir is an antiviral medication. Entecavir inhibits the reproduction of viruses in the body. |
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Entecavir is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. |
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Entecavir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking entecavir? |
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Before taking entecavir, tell your doctor if you have: |
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You may not be able to take entecavir, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. |
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Entecavir is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether entecavir will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
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It is not known whether entecavir passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. Do not take entecavir without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
How should I take entecavir? |
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Take entecavir exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much entecavir to take. Your dose will depend on whether you have been treated for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before and what medicine you took. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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Take entecavir once a day on an empty stomach to help it work better. Empty stomach means at least 2 hours after a meal and at least 2 hours before the next meal. To help you remember to take your entecavir, try to take it at the same time each day. |
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If you are taking entecavir oral solution, carefully measure your dose with the spoon provided, as follows: 1. Hold the spoon in a vertical (upright) position and fill it gradually to the mark corresponding to the prescribed dose. Holding the spoon with the volume marks facing you, check that it has been filled to the proper mark. 2. Swallow the medicine directly from the measuring spoon. 3. After each use, rinse the spoon with water and allow it to air dry. If you lose the spoon, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider for instructions. |
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Do not change your dose or stop taking entecavir without talking to your healthcare provider. Your hepatitis B symptoms may get worse or become very serious if you stop taking entecavir. After you stop taking entecavir, it is important to stay under your healthcare provider's care. |
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Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with entecavir to monitor progress and side effects. |
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Store entecavir at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. |
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Symptoms of a entecavir overdose are not known. |
What should I avoid while taking entecavir? |
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Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Entecavir does not reduce the risk of passing hepatitis B virus to others. |
What are the possible side effects of entecavir? |
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Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems. |
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Some people who have taken medicines like entecavir have developed serious liver problems called hepatotoxicity, with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if; your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), your urine turns dark, your bowel movements (stools) turn light in color, you don't feel like eating food for several days or longer, you feel sick to your stomach (nausea) or if you have lower stomach pain. These may be early symptoms of liver problems. |
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If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking entecavir and seek emergency medical attention. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking entecavir and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite; |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect entecavir? |
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Entecavir may interact with other medications resulting in reduced effectiveness and/ or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products. |
This site is only meant for general information only. Always consult your doctor before using any medication.
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