Drug Detail:Entecavir (Entecavir [ en-tek-a-vir ])
Generic Name: Entecavir Tablets [ en-TE-ka-veer ]
Drug Class: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
Warning
- Hepatitis B has gotten worse when this medicine (entecavir tablets) was stopped in some people with hepatitis B. Close follow-up for a few months is needed when therapy is stopped in people who have hepatitis B. Do not stop taking this medicine (entecavir tablets) without calling your doctor.
- Rarely, this medicine (entecavir tablets) may cause a swollen liver and a buildup of acid in the blood. Sometimes, this may be deadly. The risk may be higher in women, in overweight people, and in people who have taken drugs like this one for a long time.
- If you have HIV that is not being treated, it may become harder to treat after taking this medicine (entecavir tablets). HIV testing needs to be done before taking this medicine (entecavir tablets). Talk with your doctor.
Uses of Entecavir Tablets:
- It is used to treat hepatitis B infection.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Entecavir Tablets?
- If you are allergic to this medicine (entecavir tablets); any part of this medicine (entecavir tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (entecavir tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Entecavir Tablets?
For all patients taking this medicine (entecavir tablets):
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (entecavir tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine is not a cure for hepatitis infection. Stay under the care of your doctor.
- This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (entecavir tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
Children:
- If your child's weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this medicine (entecavir tablets) may need to be changed.
How is this medicine (Entecavir Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (entecavir tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take on an empty stomach. Take 2 hours before or 2 hours after meals.
- Keep taking this medicine (entecavir tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of this medicine (entecavir tablets) during treatment.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it, on an empty stomach.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Signs of too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) like fast breathing, fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, very bad upset stomach or throwing up, feeling very sleepy, shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, very bad dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain or cramps.
What are some other side effects of Entecavir Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Headache.
- Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
- Upset stomach.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Entecavir Tablets?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep lid tightly closed.
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (entecavir tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.