Class: Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
Dosage Forms. Tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg; Solution: 0.5 mg/1 mL
Common FDA Label Indication, Dosing, and Titration.
1. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: Adults, 0.5-1 mg po daily
Off-Label Uses.
1. HBV reinfection prophylaxis: Adults, 0.5-1 mg po daily
MOA. Intracellularly phosphorylated to guanosine triphosphate which competes with natural substrates to effectively inhibit hepatitis B viral polymerase; enzyme inhibition blocks reverse transcriptase activity thereby reducing viral DNA synthesis.
Drug Characteristics: Entecavir
Medication Safety Issues: Entecavir
Drug Interactions: Entecavir
Adverse Reactions: Entecavir
Efficacy Monitoring Parameters. Hepatitis B virus DNA, LFTs.
Toxicity Monitoring Parameters. HIV status (prior to initiation of therapy); LFTs, renal function. Call healthcare provider for dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
Key Patient Counseling Points. Complete full course of therapy; take on an empty stomach.
Clinical Pearls. Hepatitis may get worse if this drug is stopped; monitor HBV DNA after discontinuation. Consider genetic testing of HBV if suboptimal response to therapy.