Introduction
What X VIR 0.5MG is used for?
- It is used for treating chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adults and children 2 years of age and older who have active liver disease
Warning & Precautions
Talk to Doctor
Talk to your doctor before you take this medicine, if you:
- Are allergic to entecavir or any of the ingredients of this medicine
- Have kidney problems
Pregnancy & Breast Feeding
- Tell your doctor if you are being pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Do not breast-feed if you are taking this medicine
Children & Adolescents
- It is not known if X VIR 0.5MG is safe and effective for use in children less than 2 years of age
Interactions
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements
How to Use
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you
- The usual dose of X VIR 0.5MG is either 0.5 mg or 1 mg once daily orally
- Take this medicine once a day on an empty stomach at least 2 hours before the next meal
- X Vir 0.5mg Tablet may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
- During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.
If you take more X VIR 0.5MG
- If you take more, call your doctor right away
If you forget to take X VIR 0.5MG
- If you forget to take X VIR 0.5MG take it as soon as you remember
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
- Do not take two doses at the same time
If you stop taking X VIR 0.5MG
- Do not stop taking this medicine before consulting your doctor
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them
Serious
- Lactic acidosis
- Severe liver damage
Common
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
Coping with Headache
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Do not sleep more than you normally would. Do not strain your eyes (for example by looking at a screen). Do not drink alcohol. Headaches are usually temporary and usually go away with time. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller if they last longer than a week or get worse.
Coping with Dizziness
This is usually short-lived and should go away within a few days. If this happens, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Lying still in a dark, quiet room may help reduce the spinning feeling. Sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows. Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Get plenty of rest and try to relax, as being anxious can make it worse. Try taking this medicine at bedtime to reduce the symptom. Drinking plenty of water and ginger tea may also help. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking as it will make you feel worse. Avoid driving or using tools or machinery until you feel better.
Coping with Nausea
You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
More Information
Storage
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature (15-25°C)
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date
FAQs
You should take X Vir exactly as prescribed by your doctor and continue taking it till your doctor tells you to stop. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal and at least 2 hours before the next meal. It is advised to take it around the same time every day.
Q. Can X Vir cause liver problems?
Yes, X Vir can cause serious liver problems like enlargement of liver (hepatomegaly) and an increased build-up of fat in the liver (steatosis). It is important to know that hepatomegaly with steatosis is a serious medical emergency which requires immediate medical attention.
Q. What are the symptoms of serious liver problems?
The symptoms of liver problems include jaundice (in which your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow), dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, and stomach pain. These symptoms are more common in women, overweight patients, or if you have been on X Vir for a long time. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience any such symptoms.
Q. What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with X Vir?
Drug resistance means that the medicine which is being used for treating infection becomes ineffective. This happens due to the ability acquired by the virus or bacteria to get modified inside the body which affects the overall working of the medicine. Hence, the medicine is no longer able to fight against the virus or bacteria. Generally, drug resistance with X Vir is more likely to happen if you take less dose than recommended.
Q. How long should I take X Vir?
If you are HBe antigen positive then you should continue treatment 12 months after you are tested HBe antigen negative and antibodies are detected against HBV. In patients who are HBe antigen negative continue treatment till HBs seroconversion or if X Vir becomes ineffective.
Q. What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with X Vir?
In HBV patients who are diagnosed with HIV, X Vir is not recommended until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting X Vir in such patients may cause resistance to the prescribed HIV medicines. Therefore, doctors recommend tests for HIV in patients diagnosed with HBV infection before starting treatment with X Vir.
Q. Can X Vir cure hepatitis B?
No, X Vir does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. It may decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present in the body. This is done by limiting the ability of HBV to multiply and further infect new liver cells.
Disclaimer:The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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