Entecavir is an antiviral drug to treat chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B is a chronic infection of the liver that is at risk of causing serious complications, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Entecavir works by inhibiting the process of virus replication or reproduction, so that the number of viruses can be reduced. This way of working can help improve the condition of damaged liver organs and prevent more serious damage.
It should be noted that entecavir cannot be used to cure hepatitis B. This drug also cannot prevent the transmission of the virus.
Entecavir trademarks: Atevir, Baraclude, Bucretis, Entecavir Monohydrate, Entegard, Tecavir, TKV, Virobet
What is Entecavir
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Group |
Prescription drugs |
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Category |
Antivirus |
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Benefits |
Treating chronic hepatitis B |
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Consumed by |
Adults and children over 2 years old |
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Entecavir for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Studies on experimental animals show side effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies on pregnant women. Medicines can only be used if the magnitude of the expected benefit exceeds the magnitude of the risk to the fetus. It is not yet known whether entecavir can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting a doctor. |
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Drug form |
Film-coated tablets |
Warnings Before Consuming Entecavir
Entecavir can only be consumed according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that should be considered before consuming this medicine, among others:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Entecavir should not be consumed by someone who is allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are suffering from kidney disease, HIV/AIDS , liver disease, obesity , or have ever undergone a liver transplant procedure .
- Tell your doctor if you plan to undergo dental treatment or surgery while taking entecavir.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking entecavir, because this drug can cause dizziness .
- See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking entecavir.
Dosage and Administration of Entecavir
The dose of entecavir will be adjusted to the patient's condition and response to treatment. In pediatric patients, the dose of entecavir is adjusted according to the patient's body weight. In general, the following are the details of the dose of entevacir to treat chronic hepatitis B :
- Adults: 0.5 or 1 mg, 1 time a day. If the patient is undergoing treatment with lamivudine, the dose of entecavir is 1 mg, 1 time per day.
- Children aged ≥2 years with body weight ≥10 kg: The dose is 0.015 mg/kgBB 1 time a day. The maximum dose is 1.5 mg per day.
If the child is undergoing treatment with lamivudine, the dose of entecavir is 0.03 mg/kgBW, 1 time per day. The maximum dose is 1 mg per day.
How to Consume Entecavir Correctly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information on the medicine packaging label before consuming entecavir. Do not increase or decrease the dose given by the doctor.
Entecavir is available as a film-coated tablet. Entecavir tablets should be consumed 2 hours after a meal or 2 hours before a meal. Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water. Try to consume entecavir routinely at the same time every day so that the effect is maximal.
If you forget to take entecavir, take this medicine immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Finish the dose given by the doctor even if the condition has improved. Do not stop the treatment without the doctor's permission, because it can cause the infection to return and become more difficult to treat.
During treatment with entecavir, you will be asked to do routine blood tests to check liver function and your body's response to treatment.
This medicine cannot prevent the transmission of the hepatitis B virus. For that reason, you must always use a condom when having sex and do not share the use of razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes.
Store entecavir in a tightly closed container in a cool room. Do not store it in a humid place and avoid this medicine from direct sunlight. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Interactions of Entecavir with Other Drugs
The use of entecavir with other drugs can cause drug interaction effects, namely:
- Increased levels of entecavir in the blood if used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus
- Impairment of kidney function and increased levels of entecavir in the blood if used with amikacin , kanamycin, cisplatin , lithium, or ibuprofen
- Increased levels of entecavir alone or levels of acyclovir , ampicillin, cefixime , cephalexin, cimetidine , meropenem, valacyclovir , and probenecid if used with entecavir
- A decrease in orlistat drug levels in the blood
Side Effects and Dangers of Entecavir
Some side effects that may appear after using entecavir are drowsiness, dizziness, headache , nausea, or the body feels weak.
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside or worsen. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Liver dysfunction, which can be marked by symptoms such as dark urine, severe abdominal pain, pale stools, or yellow eyes or skin ( jaundice ).
- Acidosis , which can be characterized by symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate , severe stomach pain, severe headache, or muscle pain or cramps.