Entavir 0.5mg Tablet

Introduction to Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

Entavir 0.5mg Tablet contains Entecavir which belongs to the group of medicines called Antiviral agents. It is used to treat chronic Hepatitis-B infection in adults, children, and adolescents (2-18 years old). Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.

Prior to the treatment, your doctor may want you to take several blood tests to understand your existing condition. Before taking Entavir 0.5mg Tablet, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart disease, or HIV infection.

Entavir 0.5mg Tablet is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it. Entavir 0.5mg Tablet is not recommended for use in children (less than 2 years of age).

Uses of Entavir 0.5 mg

Here are some uses of Entavir 0.5mg

• Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
• Prevention of HBV Reactivation

How Does Entavir 0.5 Works?

Entavir 0.5 mg works by blocking the action of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) needs to replicate. By inhibiting this enzyme, Entavir reduces the amount of HBV in the body, helping to lower viral load, decrease liver inflammation, and prevent liver damage, though it does not cure the infection.

Side Effects of Entavir 0.5mg

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain

Dosage of Entavir 0.5 mg

The typical dosage of Entavir 0.5 mg is one tablet taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or after a meal, usually prescribed for adults with chronic hepatitis B who have not previously received antiviral treatment. Dosage may vary based on medical history, kidney function, or previous antiviral use, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Other Dosages of Entavir 0.5mg

• Entavir 1mg

How To Store Entavir 0.5mg Tablets?

• Store in a cool, dry place, sealed.
• Keep away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).
• Keep out of reach of children’s access.
• Avoid storing in bathroom or damp areas.
• Do not use expired or damaged tablets.
• Maintain original packaging for safety and identification.

Warnings & Precautions 

Entavir 0.5 mg tablets, containing the active ingredient entecavir, are prescribed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. While effective, it’s crucial to be aware of specific warnings and precautions associated with their use.

1. Severe Acute Exacerbations of Hepatitis B:

• Discontinuing entecavir can lead to serious flare-ups of hepatitis B. Patients should not stop the medication without medical advice, and liver function should be monitored closely for several months after cessation.

2. HIV Co-infection:

• Entecavir is not recommended for patients co-infected with HIV and HBV who are not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Using entecavir alone in such cases can lead to HIV resistance.

3. Lactic Acidosis and Hepatomegaly with Steatosis:

• Cases of lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood) and severe liver enlargement with fat accumulation have been reported, including fatal cases. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

4. Kidney Function:

• Since entecavir is eliminated by the kidneys, patients with kidney problems may require dose adjustments. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advised.

5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• The safety of entecavir during pregnancy is not well-established. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking entecavir.

6. Pediatric and Geriatric Use:

• The safety and effectiveness of entecavir in children under 2 years of age have not been established. In elderly patients, caution is advised due to the potential for decreased kidney function.

7. Drug Interactions:

• Caution should be exercised when entecavir is taken with other medications that affect kidney function or are eliminated by the kidneys, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.

8. Allergy to Entecavir:

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to entecavir or any component of the formulation should not take Entavir 0.5 mg tablets.

Safety Advice 

• Always take Entavir 0.5mg exactly as your doctor prescribes.
• Do not share Entavir with others, even if symptomatic.
• Avoid stopping Entavir suddenly without your doctor’s approval.
• Monitor liver function regularly while on Entavir treatment.
• Inform your doctor about any existing kidney conditions before use.
• Do not use if allergic to entecavir or ingredients.
• Report any unusual symptoms like nausea or abdominal pain immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Entavir Tablet safe in pregnancy?

Ans. It has not been demonstrated if Entavir Tablet is safe to use during pregnancy, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It is important that women of childbearing age being treated with Entavir Tablet should use an effective method of contraception to avoid becoming pregnant.

 2. Can Entavir Tablet cause diarrhea?

Ans. Yes. Diarrhea is a common side effect of Entavir Tablet. Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If you experience persistent diarrhea, consult your doctor.

3. What if I forget to take a dose of Entavir Tablet?

Ans. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue your treatment as usual. Do not take the medicine twice to make up for the forgotten dose. It is important to take Entavir Tablet regularly, because if you take it at irregular intervals, you may be more likely to have a hypersensitivity reaction.

4. Can I stop taking Entavir Tablet?

Ans. Do not stop taking Entavir Tablet without consulting your doctor. Some people may get very serious symptoms of hepatitis when they stop taking this medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in symptoms after stopping this treatment. Even after your treatment with Entavir Tablet is stopped, your doctor will continue to monitor you and take blood tests.