"What Are the Advantages of Entecavir, and Which Side Effects Should I Be Mindful Of?"
Hepatitis B and Its Treatment with Entecavir
Hepatitis B represents a prevalent viral hepatitis issue in clinical settings, with a significant portion of the Chinese population being affected. Notably, not all hepatitis B patients exhibit high contagiousness, as the infectivity is intimately tied to the activity of viral replication. Upon the onset of hepatitis B, entecavir emerges as a viable treatment option. Consequently, it is imperative to comprehend the efficacy and potential adverse effects of entecavir.
Entecavir dispersible tablets, an oral nucleoside analog medication, are specifically designed to combat hepatitis B virus infection. They are primarily prescribed for adults with chronic hepatitis B characterized by active viral replication, persistently elevated serum transaminase levels, or histologically evident active lesions. Additionally, these tablets can be administered to HBV carriers, effectively inhibiting HBV replication.
Possible Side Effects of Entecavir
- Discomfort: Although the side effects of entecavir tend to be mild, patients may occasionally experience similar reactions to other nucleotide drugs, including fatigue, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and occasionally rashes or discomfort in the liver region.
- Rebound after Discontinuation: Entecavir serves as a crucial tool in managing hepatitis B and mitigating disease progression. However, abruptly ceasing medication without medical guidance can lead to a rebound in symptoms, exacerbating adverse effects on the body.
- Drug Resistance with Long-Term Use: Prolonged use of entecavir may foster drug resistance, significantly diminishing its antiviral potency and potentially rendering it ineffective.
- Sleepiness or Vomiting: Entecavir should be consumed on an empty stomach, preferably before meals or two hours post-meal. Failure to adhere to this regimen may compromise its antiviral efficacy, undermining hepatitis B treatment outcomes.
