Entavir 0.5mg Tablet (Entecavir): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
- Severe tiredness, muscle pain, or difficulty breathing
- Fast heartbeat, stomach pain, or feeling very weak
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Decreased urine output or swelling in the legs
- Confusion, drowsiness, or unusual sleepiness
- Severe nausea and vomiting that does not stop
- Signs of a hepatitis flare after stopping the medicine, such as worsening fatigue and jaundice
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is entacover 0.5 tablet used for?
This medicine contains Entecavir 0.5 mg, an antiviral tablet used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus infection. It works by blocking the virus from multiplying, which reduces liver inflammation and the risk of long-term liver damage. It is taken once daily by mouth, with or without food, and must not be stopped suddenly because doing so can cause a serious hepatitis flare. Regular blood tests and medical follow-up are essential.
- Generic Name: Entecavir (0.5mg)
- Manufacturer: Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 entacover 0.5 tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एंटेकावीर 0.5 मिलीग्राम की गोली है, जिसका उपयोग पुरानी हेपेटाइटिस बी (हepatitis B) संक्रमण के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह वायरस को शरीर में बढ़ने से रोकती है, जिससे लिवर की सूजन कम होती है और लिवर को नुकसान का खतरा घटता है। यह दवा रोज एक बार मुँह से ली जाती है, खाने के साथ या बिना खाने के। यह दवा हेपेटाइटिस बी को पूरी तरह खत्म नहीं करती, इसलिए लंबे समय तक इलाज की जरूरत पड़ सकती है। डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना इस दवा को अचानक बंद न करें, क्योंकि ऐसा करने से हेपेटाइटिस बी का गंभीर प्रकोप हो सकता है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, थकान, चक्कर आना, जी मिचलाना और हल्का दस्त शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। कभी-कभी लिवर एंजाइम बढ़ सकते हैं, लैक्टिक एसिडोसिस हो सकता है, या दवा बंद करने पर हेपेटाइटिस बी का प्रकोप हो सकता है। अगर आपको बहुत ज्यादा कमजोरी, मांसपेशियों में दर्द, सांस लेने में तकलीफ, पेट में दर्द, या दिल की धड़कन तेज महसूस हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार हर दिन एक ही समय पर लें। डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना इसे बंद न करें, क्योंकि अचानक बंद करने से हेपेटाइटिस बी का गंभीर प्रकोप हो सकता है। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी दवाओं, सप्लीमेंट्स और हर्बल उत्पादों के बारे में बताएं। नियमित रूप से लिवर और किडनी की जांच कराते रहें। हेपेटाइटिस बी को दूसरों तक फैलने से रोकने के लिए सेक्स के दौरान कंडोम का इस्तेमाल करें और सुई, रेजर या टूथब्रश साझा न करें। शराब न पिएं, क्योंकि इससे लिवर को और नुकसान हो सकता है।
💊 entacover 0.5 tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Chronic hepatitis B virus infection","description":"This medicine is used to suppress hepatitis B virus replication in adults with compensated or decompensated liver disease and in children aged two years and older with active viral replication and elevated liver enzymes.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Prevention of hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplant","description":"This medicine may be used as part of a strategy to prevent hepatitis B virus from returning after liver transplantation in selected patients.","evidence":"Established in specialist settings"},{"condition":"Hepatitis B in patients with HIV co-infection","description":"This medicine can be used in people living with HIV who also have hepatitis B, but it must be combined with a fully suppressive HIV regimen because Entecavir alone is not enough to control HIV.","evidence":"Established with specialist guidance"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Prevention of hepatitis B reactivation during chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy","description":"In some patients receiving cancer chemotherapy or strong immunosuppressive medicines, this medicine may be started before treatment to prevent hepatitis B virus from reactivating.","evidence":"Limited but increasingly accepted in specialist practice"},{"condition":"Lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B","description":"This medicine is sometimes used in patients whose hepatitis B virus has become resistant to lamivudine, although resistance testing and specialist advice are needed.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Also treats: Compensated liver disease due to hepatitis B, Decompensated liver disease due to hepatitis B, HIV and hepatitis B co-infection, Prevention of hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplant
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Entecavir (0.5mg) |
| Brand Name | entacover 0.5 tablet |
| Manufacturer | Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep it in the original container, tightly closed, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of this medicine is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but always check the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use it after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B in people with significant liver disease or high viral load. Entecavir is one of the recommended first-line medicines, but the exact choice and duration must be decided by a qualified clinician based on local guidelines and individual patient factors. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research and other Indian liver societies recommend Entecavir as a first-line treatment option for chronic hepatitis B. Treatment should be started and monitored by a specialist, with regular testing of hepatitis B virus DNA, liver enzymes, and kidney function. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by entering liver cells and being converted into its active form, which competes with the natural building block that the hepatitis B virus uses to copy its genetic material. By blocking the viral polymerase enzyme at three different steps, it prevents the virus from multiplying. This reduces the amount of virus in the blood and allows the liver to recover from inflammation.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take entacover 0.5 tablet
Strength: This medicine is available as an immediate-release tablet containing Entecavir 0.5 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 0.5 mg taken by mouth once daily for chronic hepatitis B in treatment-naive adults with compensated liver disease. For adults with decompensated liver disease or known lamivudine resistance, a higher dose of 1 mg once daily may be used. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, kidney function, liver function, and previous hepatitis B treatment. Do not change the dose without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information for this exact product. Consult a pediatrician or liver specialist. In general, this medicine may be used in children aged 2 years and older, but the dose depends on weight and must be determined by a specialist. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may have reduced kidney function, which can increase the blood levels of this medicine. The dose should be adjusted based on kidney function, and kidney function should be monitored regularly. No specific dose reduction is recommended based on age alone. |
| Renal Impairment | This medicine is eliminated mainly by the kidneys, so the dose must be adjusted in people with kidney impairment. For adults with a creatinine clearance of 30 to 50 mL/min, the usual dose is 0.25 mg once daily or 0.5 mg every 48 hours. For creatinine clearance of 10 to 30 mL/min, the dose is 0.15 mg once daily or 0.5 mg every 72 hours. For creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min or on hemodialysis, the dose is 0.05 mg once daily or 0.5 mg every 7 days. These doses are for the 0.5 mg treatment dose and must be confirmed by a qualified clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is needed for liver impairment alone. However, people with decompensated liver disease may need a higher dose of 1 mg once daily, and they should be monitored closely by a liver specialist. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose of this medicine is 1 mg once daily for adults with decompensated liver disease or lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B. For most adults with compensated liver disease, the maximum daily dose is 0.5 mg once daily. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of entacover 0.5 tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | Moderate | |
| Naproxen | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate | |
| Tacrolimus | Moderate | |
| Gentamicin | Moderate | |
| Amphotericin B | Moderate | |
| Tenofovir | Minor | |
| Lamivudine | Minor | |
| Adefovir | Minor | |
| Ritonavir-boosted HIV regimens | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Medicines that reduce kidney function (for example, NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B)
- Other medicines that can cause lactic acidosis (for example, some antiretrovirals)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Cyclosporine
- Tacrolimus
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can worsen liver inflammation and increase the risk of liver damage. If you drink alcohol regularly, discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Entecavir or any other ingredient in this medicine","Severe kidney impairment without appropriate dose adjustment","Use in children younger than 2 years of age is not established","Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a specialist"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Do not stop this medicine suddenly, as it can cause a severe flare of hepatitis B.","Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect. Report muscle pain, weakness, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, or fast heartbeat immediately.","Kidney function should be monitored before and during treatment, especially in people with kidney disease or those taking other kidney-affecting medicines.","This medicine does not prevent the spread of hepatitis B to others. Use condoms and avoid sharing needles or personal items.","This medicine is not a cure for hepatitis B. Long-term treatment is often needed to keep the virus under control.","Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.","Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine because it can worsen liver damage.","Keep all follow-up appointments and blood tests, even if you feel well."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk in significant amounts. Because of the lack of data, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine unless a doctor advises otherwise. Discuss feeding options with your doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
There is no specific antidote for an overdose of this medicine. If you take too much, contact your doctor or a poison control center immediately. Treatment is supportive, with close monitoring of kidney and liver function. Because this medicine is removed by the kidneys, hemodialysis may be considered in severe cases, but this should only be done under specialist care.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day, to keep the level of medicine steady in your body. Do not stop this medicine on your own, even if you feel completely well, because stopping suddenly can cause a serious flare of hepatitis B that may damage the liver. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take, especially medicines that affect the kidneys. Keep all appointments for blood tests, because monitoring of liver enzymes, hepatitis B virus DNA, and kidney function is essential during treatment. Use a condom during sex to reduce the risk of spreading hepatitis B to others. Do not share needles, razors, or toothbrushes. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before continuing this medicine. Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen liver damage. Store the tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight, and keep them out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice and never double the next dose.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are more likely to have reduced kidney function, which can increase the blood levels of this medicine. Kidney function should be checked before and during treatment, and the dose should be adjusted if needed. Older adults should also be monitored for dizziness and falls, especially if they take other medicines.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, talk to your doctor before you conceive. This medicine may be continued during pregnancy if your doctor decides it is needed to control hepatitis B and protect your liver. Your doctor will also discuss ways to prevent passing hepatitis B to your baby, including vaccination and immunoglobulin at birth.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. Do not stop this medicine unless your doctor advises it. After surgery, continue taking it as prescribed and keep follow-up appointments to monitor liver and kidney function.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. There is no need to stop this medicine for dental work, but your dentist should know about your hepatitis B status and all medicines you take. Good oral hygiene is important, and you should avoid sharing toothbrushes or dental floss.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Moderate exercise is generally safe and helpful while taking this medicine. However, if you have advanced liver disease or feel very tired, avoid strenuous exercise and consult your doctor before starting a new routine. Stop exercising and seek medical advice if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or unusually weak.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Most people can continue their normal work and daily activities while taking this medicine. If your job involves night shifts, try to take the tablet at the same time each day and discuss any schedule concerns with your doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine on your own. Your doctor will decide when it is safe to stop based on your hepatitis B virus DNA level, liver function, and overall health. If you need to stop for any reason, your doctor will monitor you closely for a hepatitis flare. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe tiredness after stopping.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is generally safe and well tolerated. The main benefit is continued suppression of hepatitis B virus, which reduces the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes, hepatitis B virus DNA, and kidney function is needed. Some people may develop kidney function changes over time, especially if they have other risk factors. Resistance to this medicine is uncommon but can occur, so your doctor will check your viral load regularly. Do not stop treatment without medical advice, as this can cause a serious flare.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another first-line antiviral for chronic hepatitis B. It may be preferred in certain patients, but it has different kidney and bone safety considerations.
Evidence: Well-establishedA newer antiviral for chronic hepatitis B with a better kidney and bone safety profile in some patients.
Evidence: Well-establishedAn injectable treatment that can be used for chronic hepatitis B in selected patients. It has more side effects and is not suitable for everyone.
Evidence: Established in selected patients💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
People with chronic hepatitis B should receive hepatitis A vaccination if they are not already immune. Other routine vaccines, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, may also be recommended. This medicine does not interact with most vaccines, but always tell your doctor about your hepatitis B treatment before receiving any vaccine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless your pharmacist advises otherwise.
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in the original container, tightly closed.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer them to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet.
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children.
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription when you travel. Keep enough supply for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you are crossing time zones, take your daily dose at the same local time you normally would, but ask your doctor if you need to adjust the timing. Declare the medicine at customs if required and carry a doctor's letter explaining that it is for chronic hepatitis B. Never put this medicine in checked luggage; keep it in your hand baggage.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts reducing the hepatitis B virus within days, but it may take several weeks to months for blood tests to show a clear improvement. Liver enzyme levels may take longer to normalize.
A: No, this medicine suppresses the hepatitis B virus but does not cure the infection. Most people need long-term treatment to keep the virus under control.
A: Stopping suddenly can cause a severe flare of hepatitis B, which can damage the liver. Always talk to your doctor before stopping.
A: This medicine is removed by the kidneys, so kidney function should be monitored. Dose adjustment is needed if you have kidney problems.
A: This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if your doctor decides it is clearly needed. Discuss pregnancy plans with your specialist.
A: No, alcohol should be avoided because it can worsen liver damage in people with hepatitis B.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for entacover 0.5 tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
x emo 0.5mg tabletXtrek Life-science Pvt Ltd ₹488.71 34.8% CHEAPER
-
encure tabletEmcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹741.33 1% CHEAPER
-
hepalo 0.5 tabletEmcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹744.03 0.7% CHEAPER
-
baraclude 0.5mg tabletBMS India Pvt Ltd ₹745.50 0.5% CHEAPER
-
encarvir 0.5mg tabletVestal Healthcare ₹750.00 0.1% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure hepatitis B completely.
Fact: This medicine suppresses the hepatitis B virus but does not cure the infection. Most people need long-term treatment to keep the virus under control. - Myth: I can stop this medicine once my liver tests are normal.
Fact: Stopping this medicine suddenly can cause a severe flare of hepatitis B. Always talk to your doctor before stopping. - Myth: This medicine can be taken for any type of hepatitis.
Fact: This medicine only works against hepatitis B virus. It does not treat hepatitis A, C, or E. - Myth: This medicine weakens the immune system.
Fact: This medicine does not weaken the immune system. It directly blocks the hepatitis B virus from multiplying. - Myth: Once I start this medicine, I will definitely get kidney damage.
Fact: Kidney problems are uncommon, but kidney function should be monitored. Most people take this medicine safely with regular check-ups.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Entecavir 0.5 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Entavir 0.5 mg tablet