ENTECAVIR

ENTECAVIR: Entecavir is a prescription medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and children at least 2 years old. It belongs to the class of drugs known as nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Mechanism of action: Entecavir works by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme involved in the replication of HBV. This action prevents the virus from multiplying and reduces the viral load in the body.

Dosage: The recommended dose of entecavir for adults is 0.5 mg once daily. For children weighing less than 30 kg, the dose is 0.015 mg per kg, not exceeding 0.5 mg daily. The medication can be taken with or without food.

Side effects: Common side effects of entecavir may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. In rare cases, it may cause severe lactic acidosis and hepatomegaly with steatosis. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.

It is important to continue taking entecavir as prescribed, even if you feel better, in order to effectively manage your chronic hepatitis B infection. Your doctor will monitor your liver function and viral levels to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.