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
Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, Tiredness
Content Details
Last updated on:
16 Oct 2019 | 01:30 PM (IST)
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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. Can Entecavir cure hepatitis B?
No, Entecavir does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. It may 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.
Q. How long should I take Entecavir?
If you are HBe antigen positive then you should continue treatment 12 months after you are tested HBe antigen negative and antibodies are detected against HBV. In patients who are HBe antigen negative continue treatment till HBs seroconversion or if Entecavir becomes ineffective.
Q. Can Entecavir cause liver problems?
Yes, Entecavir can cause serious liver problems like enlargement of liver (hepatomegaly) and an increased build-up of fat in the liver (steatosis). It is important to know that hepatomegaly 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 (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 means that the medicine which is being used for treating infection becomes ineffective. This 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 recommended.
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.
Q. What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Entecavir?
In HBV patients who are diagnosed with HIV, Entecavir is not recommended 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.