Introduction
ENTAVIR 0.5 is a brand name for Entecavir, an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It belongs to the nucleoside analogue class and works by blocking HBV replication, reducing liver damage.
Generic Name: Entecavir
Brand Names: Baraclude (original), Entavir (alternative brands)
Available Form:
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Tablet: 0.5 mg (standard dose for treatment-naive patients)
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Oral Solution: 0.05 mg/mL (for patients who cannot swallow tablets)
Uses of ENTAVIR 0.5
ENTAVIR 0.5 is prescribed for:
✅ Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) Infection – in adults and children (≥2 years)
✅ HBV with compensated liver disease
✅ HBV with HIV co-infection (under strict monitoring, as it does not treat HIV)
Not effective against:
❌ Hepatitis C (HCV) or other viruses
❌ Acute HBV infection (short-term hepatitis B)
Dosage & Administration
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Standard Dose: 0.5 mg once daily (for treatment-naive patients)
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Higher Dose (1 mg/day): For patients with lamivudine resistance or HIV co-infection
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Take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours before or after meals)
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Do not stop suddenly (can cause HBV flare-ups)
Side Effects
Common (Mild):
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Nausea, diarrhea
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Dizziness
Serious (Rare, but require medical attention):
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Lactic acidosis (muscle pain, trouble breathing)
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Liver problems (yellow skin, dark urine, severe fatigue)
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Kidney issues (swelling, changes in urine output)
Storage Instructions
✔ Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
✔ Keep in original packaging, away from moisture
✔ Keep out of reach of children
Importance of ENTAVIR 0.5
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Highly Effective: One of the strongest HBV medications with low resistance risk.
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Long-Term Use: Often taken for years or lifelong to control HBV.
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Prevents Liver Damage: Reduces risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
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Safe for Most Patients: Well-tolerated with fewer side effects than older HBV drugs.
Precautions & Warnings
⚠ Do not stop without doctor’s advice (can cause severe hepatitis flare-ups).
⚠ Regular monitoring (LFTs, HBV DNA levels) is required.
⚠ Not a cure – suppresses HBV but does not eliminate it completely.
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy unless necessary (consult a doctor).
Drug Interactions
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HIV medications (e.g., tenofovir) – may require dose adjustments.
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Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs) – may increase kidney risk.
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