Entecavir - Benefits, dosage and side effects

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 replication or reproduction of the virus, so that the number of viruses can be reduced. This way of working can help repair damaged liver conditions and prevent more serious damage.

Please note, entecavir can not be used to cure hepatitis B. This drug also can not prevent transmission of the virus.

Entecavir trademarks: Atevir, Baraclude, Bucretis, Entecavir Monohydrate, Entegard, Tecavir, TKV, Virobet

What is Entecavir

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryAnti Virus
BenefitTreating chronic hepatitis B
Consumed byAdults and children over 2 years old
Entecavir for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether entecavir is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Drug formFilm-coated tablets

Precautions Before Taking Entecavir

Entecavir should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things that must be considered before taking this drug, including:

  • Tell your doctor about your history of allergies. Entecavir should not be taken by someone who is allergic to this drug.
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, liver disease, obesity, or have had a liver transplant procedure.
  • Tell your doctor if you plan to have any dental treatment or surgery while taking entecavir.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, 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, as this drug can cause dizziness.
  • Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking entecavir.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Entecavir

The dose of entecavir will be adjusted according 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 details the dosage of entevacir for treating chronic hepatitis B:

  • Mature: 0.5 or 1 mg, once daily. If the patient is on treatment with lamivudine, the dose of entecavir is 1 mg, once daily.
  • Children aged 2 years and weighing 10 kg: The dose is 0.015 mg/kg body weight once a day. The maximum dose is 1.5 mg per day.

If the child is being treated with lamivudine, the dose of entecavir is 0.03 mg/kg, once daily. The maximum dose is 1 mg per day.

How to Take Entecavir Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking entecavir. Do not increase or decrease the dose prescribed by your doctor.

Entecavir is available as a film-coated tablet. Entecavir tablets should be taken 2 hours after a meal or 2 hours before a meal. Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water. Try to take entecavir regularly at the same time every day for maximum effect.

If you forget to take entecavir, take this drug immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Take the dose that the doctor has given you even if your condition improves. Do not stop treatment without the doctor's permission, as this can cause the infection to come back and make it more difficult to treat.

While on treatment with entecavir, you will be asked to have regular blood tests to check your liver function and your body's response to treatment.

This medicine cannot prevent the transmission of the hepatitis B virus. For this reason, you must always use a condom during sexual intercourse and do not share razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes.

Store entecavir in tightly closed containers in a cool room. Do not store in a humid place and keep this medicine away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Interactions of Entecavir with Other Drugs

The use of entecavir with other drugs can cause drug interactions, namely:

  • Increased blood levels of entecavir when used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus
  • Impaired kidney function and increased blood levels of entecavir when 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 when used with entecavir
  • Decrease in blood levels of the drug orlistat

Side Effects and Dangers of Entecavir

Some side effects that may appear after using entecavir are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or feeling weak.

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

  • Impaired liver function, which can be characterized 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, fast heartbeat, severe stomach pain, severe headache, or muscle pain or cramps.