Entivar
Entivar Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Entivar is a brand name. Its generic name is Entecavir.
Introduction
Entivar is a medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is classified as a nucleoside analog, which means it works to block the activity of the HBV virus and slow its replication in the body. This helps reduce the risk of developing liver damage and complications associated with the virus.
Uses
The main use for Entivar is to treat chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults. It can also be used in some cases to prevent progression of the virus to more serious stages of liver disease.
Mechanism of Action
Entivar works by blocking the activity of the HBV virus and slowing its replication in the body. The drug works by preventing the replication of the genetic material of the virus and stopping it from spreading. It also helps to reduce liver inflammation and damage that can be caused by the virus.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
It typically takes several weeks or months of treatment with Entivar before you begin to see significant results. In some cases, it may take up to a year before the virus is brought under control and your liver health improves. It's important to be compliant with your doctor's instructions and follow the prescribed treatment regimen to maximise the chances of success.
Absorption
Entivar is well absorbed into the body after an oral dose. The maximum concentration of the drug in the bloodstream is usually reached within an hour.
Route of Elimination
Entivar is eliminated mainly through the kidneys and is excreted in urine. Some of the drug is also eliminated in feces.
Dosage
The recommended adult dose of entecavir is 0.5 to 1 mg once daily. The initial dose is often 0.5 mg, and the dose may be increased to 1 mg if necessary. Your doctor may adjust the dose according to your response to treatment.
Administration
Entivar is taken orally once a day. You should take the medication with food or after a meal. It is important to take your dose at the same time each day for best results.
Side Effect
Common side effects of Entivar include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. More serious side effects may include an allergic reaction, changes in liver enzyme levels, and changes in blood cell counts.
Toxicity
Entivar is generally safe and well-tolerated when taken at the recommended dose. There is no known risk of significant toxicity at the recommended dose.
Precaution
Before taking Entivar, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, including liver problems, kidney problems, or immune system disorders. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Interaction
Entivar may interact with other medications, such as aminoglycosides, clarithromycin, imatinib, and ritonavir. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting Entivar.
Disease Interaction
People with certain liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, or those with HIV or other underlying conditions should discuss the use of Entivar with their doctor before starting treatment.
Drug Interaction
Entivar may interact with certain other drugs and medications. Before taking Entivar, tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
Food Interaction
There are no known food interactions associated with Entivar. However, you should still take the medication with food or after a meal.
Pregnancy Use
Entivar is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The potential risks of treatment with the drug should be discussed with a doctor before beginning treatment.
Lactation Use
Entivar should not be used during breastfeeding. The potential risks of treatment with the drug should be discussed with a doctor before beginning treatment.
Acute Overdose
There is no known antidote for Entivar overdose. Treatment should include supportive care and measures to reduce the absorption of the drug. Contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Contraindication
Entivar is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or known allergy to entecavir or any of its inactive ingredients.
Use Direction
Entivar should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Use the medication regularly and take it exactly as directed in order to get the most benefit from treatment.
Storage Condition
Store Entivar at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children and away from pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Entivar is approximately 40 liters.
Half-Life
The half-life of Entivar is 12 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Entivar is approximately 90 mL/min.
Here you find in details version of Entivar
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Entivar
What is Entivar?
Entivar is a prescription medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Entivar is not a cure for hepatitis B.
Does Entivar cure hepatitis B?
No, Entivar is not a cure for hepatitis B. Entivar is used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
How does Entivar work?
Entivar is an antiviral medication that works by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which prevents the virus from multiplying and infecting new cells.
What form(s) does Entivar come in?
Entivar is available as a tablet and an oral solution. The tablet is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg. The oral solution is available in 0.2 mg/mL.
Are there any warnings or precautions associated with the use of Entivar?
Yes. Entivar should not be used by anyone who is allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients. Entivar should not be used in combination with lamivudine as this may lead to resistance to the medication. It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking prior to starting Entivar.
Are there any side effects associated with Entivar?
Yes. The most common side effects associated with Entivar include nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, patients may experience severe side effects such as a skin rash, hives, itching, anxiety, jaundice, anemia, and an electrolyte imbalance.
How should Entivar be taken?
Entivar should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. A single dose should be taken each day with or without food. Do not stop taking Entivar without consulting your doctor as this may result in a relapse of the infection.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Entivar?
If you miss a dose of Entivar, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Can I take Entivar while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Entivar should not be used by pregnant women or women breastfeeding. It is not known if Entivar passes into breast milk, so caution should be taken when nursing.
How should I store Entivar?
Entivar should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do if I overdose on Entivar?
If you or someone you know overdoses on Entivar, contact your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Symptoms of an Entivar overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
Who should not take Entivar?
Entivar should not be taken by people who are allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients. Entivar should also not be taken by people with kidney or liver disease, recent bone marrow transplants, or people who are taking certain other medications.
What other drugs interact with Entivar?
Entivar can interact with many other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid interactions. Examples of medications that could interact with Entivar include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and ganciclovir.
Does Entivar reduce the risk of transmitting hepatitis B?
Yes. Entivar can reduce the risk of transmitting hepatitis B to others. However, you should still take precautionary measures to avoid spreading the infection such as avoiding unprotected sexual contact and not sharing needles.
How long does it take for Entivar to work?
It typically takes two to three months of regular Entivar use for it to be effective. You may not see any improvement in symptoms or lab results until then.
Is Entivar available as a generic drug?
No, Entivar is not available as a generic drug. It is a brand-name medication.
What is the cost of Entivar?
The cost of Entivar will vary depending on dosage and form, as well as insurance coverage. It is best to contact your insurance provider for an accurate price estimate.
Is Entivar safe for children?
Yes, Entivar is approved for use in children 2 years of age and older. Your doctor will determine if Entivar is safe and effective for your child.
Does Entivar interact with alcohol?
No, Entivar does not interact with alcohol. However, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Entivar as it can worsen the symptoms of hepatitis B.
Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Entivar?
No, there are no specific foods you should avoid while taking Entivar. However, it is generally recommended to follow a healthy and balanced diet while taking Entivar.
Can I take other medications while taking Entivar?
You should talk to your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking prior to starting Entivar to avoid drug interactions. Some medications may interact with Entivar and should not be taken together.
Can I take Entivar with birth control?
Yes, Entivar can be taken with birth control. However, you should still talk to your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
Does Entivar cause weight gain?
No, Entivar has not been shown to cause weight gain. However, some people may experience an increase in appetite while taking Entivar, leading to weight gain.
Does Entivar cause diarrhea?
Yes, diarrhea can be a side effect of Entivar. Other potential side effects of Entivar include nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
What should I do if I experience any side effects while taking Entivar?
If you experience any side effects while taking Entivar, you should contact your doctor right away. If the side effects are severe or persistent, your doctor may adjust the dosage or recommend a different medication.
Can I take Entivar with other antiviral medications?
No, Entivar should not be taken in combination with other antiviral medications due to the risk of drug interactions and potential resistance to the medication. You should talk to your doctor before starting any new medication while taking Entivar.
Can Entivar be taken with ibuprofen?
Yes, it is generally safe to take ibuprofen with Entivar. However, you should talk to your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
Does Entivar affect the liver?
Entivar is used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection, and can help improve liver function. However, in rare cases, Entivar can cause liver inflammation and damage, so it's important to follow your doctor's instructions for use.
Can I take vitamins and supplements while taking Entivar?
You should talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements while taking Entivar. Some vitamins or supplements may interact with the medication or reduce its effectiveness. Your doctor can recommend the best vitamins and supplements for you.
What laboratory tests should be done while taking Entivar?
Your doctor may recommend regular blood work and other laboratory tests while taking Entivar. These tests can help your doctor monitor your liver function and check for any drug interactions or side effects.
Does Entivar cause hair loss?
No, hair loss is not a common side effect of Entivar. If you experience sudden or unusual hair loss while taking Entivar, you should consult your doctor.
Is Entivar covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance plan. You should contact your insurance provider to find out if Entivar is covered by your plan and to determine what your out-of-pocket costs may be.
What are the possible complications of taking Entivar?
The possible complications of using Entivar include drug interactions, viral resistance, liver damage, and kidney damage. You should always follow the instructions of your doctor when taking Entivar.
What happens if I stop taking Entivar?
If you stop taking Entivar without consulting your doctor, you may experience a relapse of your hepatitis B infection. Your doctor may recommend a gradual decrease in dosage or a different medication to help with the transition.
Can Entivar be used to treat other viral infections?
No, Entivar is specifically used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection. It is not effective for treating other viral infections.
What is the success rate of Entivar?
The success rate of Entivar varies depending on the individual and their condition. Generally, Entivar is effective in treating chronic hepatitis B infection in 80-90% of cases.
Can Entivar be used to treat acute hepatitis B?
No, Entivar should not be used to treat acute hepatitis B infection. Generally, it is only used to treat chronic hepatitis B infections.
Does Entivar need to be taken for life?
It depends on the individual and their condition. Generally, Entivar needs to be taken for at least 6 months after the level of the virus in the bloodstream is undetectable. Your doctor will determine how long you need to take the medication.
Are there any dietary restrictions that need to be followed while taking Entivar?
No, there are no specific dietary restrictions that need to be followed while taking Entivar. However, it is generally recommended to follow a healthy and balanced diet while taking the medication.