UNTAVIR 0.5 10.S

About

Entecavir is a potent antiviral medication specifically designed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. Classified as a nucleoside analogue, its primary mechanism of action involves selectively inhibiting the HBV reverse transcriptase, a crucial enzyme that the virus requires for its replication. By effectively blocking this enzyme, entecavir significantly reduces the amount of HBV DNA in the blood, leading to a substantial suppression of the viral load. This viral suppression is instrumental in decreasing liver inflammation, preventing progressive liver damage, and mitigating the long-term risks associated with chronic HBV, including the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its targeted efficacy makes entecavir a cornerstone therapy in the comprehensive management of chronic hepatitis B, aiming to improve liver health, prevent disease progression, and enhance overall patient prognosis.

Uses

• Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults.
• Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in pediatric patients (2 years and older).
• To reduce the risk of liver disease progression.
• To suppress HBV DNA levels.

Directions For Use

Take orally once daily on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal).

Benefits

• Significantly reduces HBV viral load.
• Improves liver function tests.
• Decreases liver inflammation.
• Reduces risk of cirrhosis.
• Lowers risk of liver cancer.
• Well-tolerated in most patients.

Side Effects

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Insomnia
• Increased liver enzymes
• Lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
• Hepatomegaly with steatosis (rare)
• Rash
• Peripheral neuropathy

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol as it can worsen liver damage in HBV patients and potentially interact with the medication.
• Pregnancy - Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; consult a specialist.
• Breastfeeding - Not recommended due to potential for serious adverse effects in the infant and unknown excretion into breast milk.
• Liver - Used to treat liver conditions; monitor liver function closely during treatment.
• Kidney - Dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment; use with caution.
• Lung - No specific contraindications or precautions related to lung conditions.

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