Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Entecavir and it helps control chronic Hepatitis B infection.  It does not cure Hepatitis B, but it may improve the condition of your liver. It may have other uses, too.

You should take Entecavir on an empty stomach. This means take each dose at least 2 hours before or after eating.  If you are taking the oral solution, you should read the Instructions for Use. Always use the dosing spoon provided and never a household spoon.

Most people tolerate this medicine well.  Common side effects include nausea, headache, drowsiness and dizziness.  These are normal if they are mild and should go away. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert, like driving.  If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects can occur.  With Entecavir, these include problems with your liver and increased lactic acid in your blood.  You should read the Patient information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for.  Also, if you stop taking Entecavir your Hepatitis B virus may become worse.  To prevent this, you must not miss doses or stop taking it, unless your doctor says it is okay. 

Entecavir can make treating HIV harder, so patients should get an HIV test before starting this medicine and anytime there was a chance you were exposed.

Entecavir can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines.

Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant and should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.

For best results with Entecavir, be sure to plan ahead for refills.