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Entecavir oral solution

 
Drug Info: Entecavir oral solution

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What is Entecavir oral solution?

ENTECAVIR (Baraclude™) is used to treat infections due to the hepatitis B virus. Entecavir can slow the liver damage caused by hepatitis B. It will not cure or prevent hepatitis B infection. Generic entecavir oral solution is not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• HIV infection or AIDS
• an unusual reaction to Entecavir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take entecavir oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label and use the measuring spoon provided. Take entecavir 2 hours before and at least 2 hours after eating. Swallow the oral solution directly from the measuring spoon. If you lose your spoon, call your pharmacist or health care provider for instructions. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with Entecavir?

amiloride
amphotericin B
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• certain antibiotics given by injection
cimetidine
cisplatin
cyclosporine
ketoconazole
megestrol
metformin
midodrine
morphine
pamidronate
pancuronium
quinine
ranitidine
• some antibiotics such as trimethoprim and vancomycin
• some medicines for colds, hay fever, or allergies
• some medicines to control the heart rhythm such as digoxin, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, and quinidine
• some medicines for mental depression or psychotic disorders
• some medicines used to control high blood pressure such as enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril
• some medicines used to treat viral infections such as acyclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, and valganciclovir
tacrolimus
triamterene
trospium
• zoledronic acid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Entecavir?

You must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress during and after treatment with entecavir. You will need regular blood tests to check for liver function and hepatitis B virus levels.

Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional. Tell your prescriber or health care professional at once if you have nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe stomach pain. Some people have worsening of hepatitis after stopping entecavir therapy. Do not stop taking entecavir unless your prescriber instructs you to.

Entecavir will not cure hepatitis B infection and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking entecavir does not reduce the risk of passing hepatitis B infection to others through sexual or blood contact. Do not have sexual contact without protection; talk to your health care professional about practicing 'safe sex', such as using condoms. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or other personal items that might have contact with blood. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Entecavir?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• dark yellow or brown urine
• dizziness
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite for several days or longer
• not passing urine as often as usual or blood in your urine
• passing out or fainting
• severe diarrhea
• unusual muscle pain
• unusual weakness, tiredness, or discomfort
• unusual stomach pain or discomfort
• vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• headache
• heartburn or indigestion
• insomnia or trouble sleeping
• mild diarrhea
• nausea
• sleepiness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

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