Hivir 150mg Tablet is used in the treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Hivir 150mg Tablet is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and only helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body. This helps to lower your risk of getting HIV-related complications and improves your lifespan. It is prescribed in combination with other HIV medicines. Your doctor will recommend the best medicines for you and will decide the doses that you need. Follow carefully the instructions for all the medicines that you are given. It can be taken with or without food. Taking all these medicines regularly at the right times greatly increases their effectiveness and reduces the chances of HIV becoming resistant to them. It is important not to miss doses and to keep taking them until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop.
Ordinary side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and rash. These are usually not serious but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away. Limitedly, some people may experience a skin reaction or liver damage. Your doctor will closely monitor you for these in the initial period of treatment.
Earlier taking it, tell your doctor if you have any skin problems or liver or kidney disease. While using it, you may need regular blood tests to check your blood counts and liver function. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Do not have unprotected sex or share personal items like razors or toothbrushes, if you are HIV positive. Communicate to your doctor about safe ways like condoms to prevent HIV transmission during sex.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Hivir 150mg Tablet may be taken with or without food.
Side Effects:
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if youβre worried about them
Ordinary side effects of Hivir
Nausea
Diarrhea
Headache
Vomiting
Chubbyigue
Stomach pain
Rash
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
CAUTION
Alcohol should be used with caution while taking Hivir 150mg Tablet.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
The safety of Hivir 150mg Tablet during pregnancy has not been established. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and animal data on reproductive toxicity are insufficient. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Hivir 150mg Tablet may be safe to use during breastfeeding. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Driving
SAFE
Hivir 150mg Tablet does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Hivir 150mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Hivir 150mg Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment is recommended.
FAQs:
How should I take Hivir 150mg Tablet?
Hivir 150mg Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, it is better to take it at a fixed time of the day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.
Is Hivir 150mg Tablet effective?
Hivir 150mg Tablet is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Hivir 150mg Tablet too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with Hivir 150mg Tablet?
Drug resistance is a state where the medicine which was once effective in treating an infection becomes ineffective. This mainly 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 Hivir 150mg Tablet is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.
How long should I take Hivir 150mg Tablet?
Do not stop taking entecavir without consulting your doctor. Stopping entecavir before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can happen during the first several months after you stop taking entecavir. Take the medicine strictly as advised and do not miss any dose.
What if I forget to take a dose of Hivir 150mg Tablet?
If you forget a dose of Hivir 150mg Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Hivir 150mg Tablet?
In HBV patients who are diagnosed with HIV, Hivir 150mg Tablet is not recommended until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Hivir 150mg Tablet 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 Hivir 150mg Tablet.
Can Hivir 150mg Tablet cure hepatitis B?
No, Hivir 150mg Tablet 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.
Is Hivir 150mg Tablet safe?
Hivir 150mg Tablet is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Written by:
Dr. T. Sharmila Krishna
M.B.B.S., MD (Biochemistry)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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