Entecavir 1mg.

Entecavir 1mg. — Uses and Benefits

Entecavir is mainly used for the long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in people with active liver disease.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults and certain children
• Reducing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the blood
• Helping to prevent liver damage caused by ongoing hepatitis B infection

HOW IT WORKS

• It is an antiviral medicine that blocks an enzyme the hepatitis B virus needs to multiply
• By lowering the viral load, it helps the liver recover and reduces inflammation
• It does not cure hepatitis B but controls the infection with regular use

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It does not treat hepatitis A or hepatitis C
• It is not used for HIV infection and may not fully suppress HIV if taken alone
• It is not a treatment for general liver disease unrelated to hepatitis B
• It should not be stopped suddenly without medical advice, as this can worsen liver disease

How to Use Entecavir 1mg.

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Take on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Continue taking it for as long as your doctor recommends, even if you feel well
• Do not stop treatment on your own, as this can cause hepatitis to flare up

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Try to take your dose at the same time every day to help you remember

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until it is time to take it
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Entecavir 1mg. — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Skin rash
• Hair loss

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
• Unusual muscle pain, weakness, or difficulty breathing (possible lactic acidosis)
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing
• Sudden worsening of hepatitis symptoms after stopping the medicine

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Entecavir 1mg. — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to entecavir or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have not discussed your hepatitis B and HIV status with your doctor, as untreated HIV can develop resistance

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Have or have had liver problems other than hepatitis B
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are also infected with HIV and are not on HIV treatment
• Consume alcohol regularly

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other medicines that affect kidney function
• Other antiviral or hepatitis medicines
• Any other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products, so always inform your doctor about everything you take

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking this medicine once I feel better?

No, stopping suddenly can cause a serious flare-up of hepatitis B; only stop under medical supervision.

Can this medicine cure hepatitis B completely?

No, it controls the virus and reduces liver damage but does not fully cure the infection.

Can I take this medicine with food?

• It is best taken on an empty stomach as food can reduce its absorption; follow your doctor's instructions.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.