Entecavir is an antiviral medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating chronic Hepatitis B with evidence of decompensated liver disease. It was initially approved on March 29, 2005, for treating chronic Hepatitis B.

Entecavir helps to treat chronic Hepatitis B virus infection.

Entecavir is available in the form of a tablet and an oral solution. Take the pill on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after and 2 hours before the next meal. The recommended Entecavir dose for adults is 0.5mg or 1mg once daily. Entecavir is not advised for use in children under two or who weigh less than 10 kg. Depending on your age, weight, and disease condition, your doctor will determine your appropriate dose and duration. Patients weighing 10kg and 32.5kg are advised to take an oral Entecavir solution. Straight from the measuring spoon, swallow it. Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor instructs you.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Entecavir are nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, insomnia (inability to sleep), fatigue (extreme tiredness), and indigestion. It might indicate lactic acidosis development if you experience stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea while taking Entecavir. This uncommon but severe side effect has occasionally been fatal.

nform your doctor immediately if you experience allergies to Entecavir and its ingredients. Report to your doctor immediately if you have HIV/AIDS, kidney, or liver problems. You might require routine blood tests while taking Entecavir to monitor your blood counts and liver health. Avoid drinking alcohol since it could harm your liver.

Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. Entecavir tablets should not be taken while pregnant unless specifically advised by your doctor. Using effective contraceptive methods while using Entecavir is recommended to avoid pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment as it is unknown if Entecavir passes into the breastmilk.

Sharing needles or other private items that might have blood or body fluids on them is not advised as it may spread HBV or HIV to other people. Regular blood tests are recommended to evaluate your liver function, hepatitis B virus level, and blood cell count. It is advised to take the hepatitis B vaccine to avoid hepatitis B infection. If you have lactose intolerance, inform your doctor before starting this therapy. Driving or using machinery should be avoided if you feel lightheaded, tired, or sleepy.

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics, Antiviral agents (nonretroviral), 12th edition, 2011, 1616-1617.
2. Accord, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Feb 2019] [ Accessed on 14th April 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6292.pdf
3. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Dec 2010] [Accessed on 19th August 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021797s011lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.