Entecavir is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing its levels in the body. By suppressing viral replication, it helps to slow down the progression of liver damage.

Entacover 0.5 Tablet is used in the treatment of HIV infections

Uses of Entacover Tablet

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

Benefits of Entacover Tablet

In Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

In patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Entacover 0.5 Tablet works by preventing the HBV virus from multiplying in the body. It helps control the infection and makes the immune system work better. This lowers the chances of getting complications and improves the quality of life.

This medicine is always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. It is not a cure and should neither be used to prevent HBV infection. It is important that you take this medicine as prescribed, following the dosage recommended by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of the medicine.

Side effects of Entacover Tablet

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 you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Entacover

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Stomach pain
Diarrhea

How to use Entacover Tablet

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. Entacover 0.5 Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.

How Entacover Tablet works

Entacover 0.5 Tablet is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Safety advice

Alcohol

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Entacover 0.5 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Entacover 0.5 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Entacover 0.5 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Entacover 0.5 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

CAUTION

Entacover 0.5 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Entacover 0.5 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Entacover 0.5 Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Entacover 0.5 Tablet is recommended.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

Entacover 0.5 Tablet

₹74.9/Tablet

Entavir 0.5mg Tablet

Cipla Ltd

₹82.42/tablet

20% costlier

Entaliv 0.5 Tablet

Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd

₹82.42/tablet

20% costlier

Entehep 0.5 Tablet

Zydus Cadila

₹76.96/tablet

12% costlier

X Vir 0.5mg Tablet

Natco Pharma Ltd

₹69.9/tablet

1% costlier

Encure Tablet

Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹76.96/tablet

12% costlier

View all substitutes

Quick tips

You have been prescribed Entacover 0.5 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.
Entacover 0.5 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.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Nucleoside analog

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

ANTI INFECTIVES

Action Class

Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Patient concerns

I have HBV related chronic liver problem .Local urologist suggest me to take rapilif d 8 for urine block problem?Can i take that medicine with entavir for hepatitis b virus and cronic liver disease?

Dr. Praveen Pushkar

Urology

Yes u can take it

Suffering from Hepatitis B virus from last one week. Please suggest me.

Dr. Anshum Aneja Arora

Pulmonology

Pls consult a gastroenterologist

FAQs

Q. How should Entacover 0.5 Tablet be taken?

You should take Entacover 0.5 Tablet 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. If not sure, consult your doctor.

Q. Can Entacover 0.5 Tablet cause liver problems?

Yes, Entacover 0.5 Tablet can cause serious liver problems like hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) and steatosis (an increased build-up of fat in the liver). It is important to know that hepatomegaly along 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 (a condition 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 Entacover 0.5 Tablet 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 Entacover 0.5 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 Entacover 0.5 Tablet is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.

Q. How long should I take Entacover 0.5 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.

Q. What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Entacover 0.5 Tablet?

The use of Entacover 0.5 Tablet is not recommended in HBV patients who are also diagnosed with HIV, until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Entacover 0.5 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 Entacover 0.5 Tablet.

Q. Can Entacover 0.5 Tablet cure hepatitis B?

No, Entacover 0.5 Tablet does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. The medicine may help 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.

Show less

Related lab tests

Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody

Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antigen

Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody

Top Physicians

4.3 ★

4.3 ★

4.2 ★

4.9 ★

4.5 ★

Want to share the information?

Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1616-617.
Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 869.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 474-75.
Entecavir. Uxbridge, Middlesex: Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals limited; 2006 [revised 1 Feb. 2019] (online) Available from:
Entecavir. Princeton, New Jersey: Bristol-Myers Squibb; 2005 [revised Oct. 2012]. [Accessed 31 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 31 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
CiplaMed. Entecavir [Prescribing Information]. [Last Revised: 10/03/2021]. [Accessed 22 Jun. 2023] (online) Available from:
Entecavir [Prescribing Information]. Waterford, Ireland: EirGen Pharma Ltd.; 2017. [Accessed 22 Jun. 2023] (online) Available from:

Marketer details

Name: Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd

Address: A.O. : 328-A, Tanaji Chowk, New Mill Road, Kurla (West), Mumbai 400070.

Country of origin: India

The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.