Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

Composition of Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet contains Entecavir (0.5mg). It belongs to the Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (HBV DNA polymerase inhibitor) class of medicines.

Uses of Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

• Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults (and eligible adolescents/children as prescribed)
• including patients with compensated liver disease; may also be used in lamivudine-resistant HBV as per specialist advice.

Key benefits

• Reduces HBV viral load
• Helps normalize liver enzymes (ALT)
• Slows progression of liver damage
• Reduces risk of cirrhosis complications with sustained therapy
• Once-daily dosing

How Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet works

Entecavir is a nucleoside analogue antiviral that inhibits hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase). It blocks viral DNA replication, reducing HBV viral load and liver inflammation over time.

How to take Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

Oral tablet. Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily. Take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after food and at least 2 hours before the next meal). Do not stop abruptly without medical advice.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Entavir 0.5mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause confusion, kidney injury and fits. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

Most side effects of Entavir are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Headache
• fatigue
• dizziness
• nausea
• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• indigestion
• increased liver enzymes
• insomnia

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Not a cure for HBV; long-term therapy may be required. Stopping entecavir can cause severe acute exacerbation of hepatitis—liver function should be monitored for several months after discontinuation. Risk of lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (rare) especially in advanced liver disease; seek care for unusual weakness, muscle pain, breathing trouble, abdominal pain, or sudden worsening. Use cautiously in renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed. HIV/HBV co-infection: do not use without effective antiretroviral therapy due to risk of HIV resistance. Not recommended for self-medication.

Do not take Entavir if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack.

Interactions with other medicines

Immunosuppressants that impair renal function (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine),other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, high-dose NSAIDs),tenofovir (monitor renal function if combined),lamivudine (used in specific resistant cases under specialist care)

How to store Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

You have been prescribed Entavir 0.5mg Tablet for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after or before a meal. Entavir 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. You have been prescribed Entavir 0.5mg Tablet for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections. Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body. Entavir 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. You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. 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.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

COMMON PRODUCTS

Therapeutic class:

Antiviral (Anti-hepatitis B)

Drug class:

Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (HBV DNA polymerase inhibitor)

Chemical class:

Nucleoside and nucleotide analoguesues