Entecavir is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat long-term hepatitis B virus infection (contagious liver infection caused by a virus from contaminated blood or other body fluids). Entecavir decreases the amount of virus in your body and therefore reduces further liver damage.
Take Entecavir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Entecavir may be taken differently depending on your condition. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Entecavir is available as a tablet or oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet, take it with a full glass of water.
If you are taking an oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Entecavir must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue to take this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Entecavir or any similar antiviral medications.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease or liver transplant recipient
- risk factors for liver disease e.g. taking long-term medications that cause liver injury, obesity
- acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)/HIV infection
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Entecavir. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid breastfeeding while you are being treated with this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests (e.g. liver function tests) while you are being treated with Entecavir.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing hepatitis B to other people through sexual contact or contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you take proper precautions to avoid spreading hepatitis B virus infection to others. Do not share razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes to others. Practice safe sex; use condoms to protect your partner.
Entecavir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, tiredness, fever, diarrhoea, indigestion, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of high levels of lactic acid in the blood e.g. severe stomach pain with vomiting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat
- severe stomach pain which may reach through to your back, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, and swollen mouth or eyes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Consuming a large amount of alcohol is very damaging to the liver.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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