What is the most important information I should know about entecavir?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to entecavir, or if you also have
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) that is not being treated.
This medication may cause
lactic acidosis (the build up of lactic acid in the body).
Lactic acidosis can start slowly and gradually get worse. Symptoms include unusual
muscle pain
and weakness, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heart rate, nausea, vomiting,
stomach pain, and
numbness or cold feeling in your arms or legs. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of
these symptoms, even if they are only mild. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse
over time and this condition can be fatal.
Entacavir may also cause severe liver symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, low
fever,
loss of appetite,
dark urine,
clay-colored stools,
jaundice (
yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
Some people with hepatitis B develop liver symptoms after they stop taking entecavir,
even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function on a regular
basis for several months after you stop using this medication. Do not miss any scheduled visits.
What is entecavir?
Entecavir is an antiviral medication. Entecavir prevents certain virus cells from
multiplying in your body
Entecavir is used to treat chronic hepatitis B.
Entecavir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking entecavir?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to entecavir, or if you also have
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) that is not being treated.
Before taking entecavir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take entecavir.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using
this medication.
It is not known whether entecavir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take entecavir?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
You may be required to be tested for HIV before you start taking entecavir. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Take entecavir with a full
glass of
water.
Take entecavir on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after eating.
Measure the liquid form (oral solution) of entecavir with a special dose-measuring spoon
or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your
pharmacist for one.
Some people with hepatitis B develop liver symptoms after they stop taking entecavir,
even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function on a regular
basis for several months after you stop using this medication. Do not miss any scheduled visits.
Store entecavir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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