What is this medicine?
ENTECAVIR (en TE ka veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis B. This medicine will not cure or prevent hepatitis B infection.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-immune system problems
-kidney disease
-other liver disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to entecavir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-dofetilide
-procainamide
-quinidine
-vancomycin
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
Your hepatitis infection may get worse after you stop taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Hepatitis B is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of Hepatitis B.
Tell your doctor if you also have HIV. You need to be on medicines to treat your HIV infection while you are taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-dark urine
-general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
-light-colored stools
-loss of appetite
-nausea, vomiting
-right upper belly pain
-unusually weak or tired
-yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-dizziness
-headache
-diarrhea
-trouble sleeping
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
