Entecavir

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Entecavir

- What is it for

Entecavir is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can cause?

Gastrointestinal side effects such as dyspepsia, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Some people experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness and drowsiness.

Rare but serious side-effects include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

In rare cases side effects such as a deterioration in liver function and/or an enlarged liver may occur. Some experience an increased acidity in the blood. If you experience any of the following consult your healthcare professional immediately:

Worsening liver problems. This may include symptoms such as darkened urine, fatigue, persistent gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, light coloured stools, persistent nausea and vomiting and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Signs of excessive acid in the blood may include an altered heartbeat, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, persistent sleepiness, shortness of breath, tiredness, dizziness and muscle pain or cramps.

Before taking , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
This medication does not prevent the spread of hepatitis whether through unprotected sexual intercourse or through the sharing of needles.
You may be required to have your blood checked at intervals while taking this medication to monitor for its effectiveness and safety.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take ?

Entecavir can generally be taken with most other foods or medications. However, please inform your healthcare professionals if you are taking other medications or herbal preparations.

- Dosage and How to Use

How should be used?

You may take this medication one hour before or two hours after food.
This medication does not cure hepatitis B, if stopped inappropriately your condition may worsen. Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
If your symptoms worsen despite treatment with this medication, consult your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.