Entavir 0.5MG

What is Entavir 0.5 mg?

Entavir 0.5 mg contains a drug called Entecavir, It belongs to the group of medicines called Antiviral drugs. It is used to treat long-term hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and is not recommended for children below two years of age or less than 10 kg. This antiviral medicine can be used in patients with liver-damaged conditions. It reduces the amount of virus in the patient’s body, but it does not cure the disease. These medicines may not prevent the complications of hepatitis B like liver cirrhosis. It does not prevent the spreading of the virus to other people.

What Entecavir drug is used for?

Entecavir is sold under the brand name Baraclude. It is used to treat long-term hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Long-term infection can cause liver damage, rarely liver cancer, and liver failure. This medicine helps to decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body. It lowers the chance of getting liver cancer or liver damage. It is an antiviral that belongs to a class of drugs known as hepatitis B virus nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This medicine is not a cure for hepatitis B. It does not prevent the spread of the virus to others through sexual contact or blood/body fluid contamination ( such as sharing used needles).

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are other types of hepatitis. Those are caused by viruses. 

Hepatitis B is an infection of your liver. It’s caused by a virus. Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Two billion people ( or 1 in 3) have been infected and about 300 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. Each year up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B even though it is preventable and treatable.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or certain bodily fluids. The virus is most commonly transmitted from an infected pregnant person to their baby during childbirth. Due to the blood exchange that happens between mother and baby. It is also transmitted through unsterile medical or dental equipment, unprotected sex, or unsterile needles, or by sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, and body jewelry. 

Hepatitis B is preventable and treatable. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you are infected. There is a safe and simple vaccine to prevent hepatitis B. There are effective drug therapies to manage chronic hepatitis B infection and its cure.

• What are the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Short-term hepatitis B infection doesn’t cause symptoms. It’s uncommon for children younger than 5 years to have symptoms if they are infected.

Some symptoms may include:

• Jaundice
• Light colored poop
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Stomach trouble 
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Belly pain
• Joint pain

Entavir 0.5 mg is always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. It is not a cure and should neither be used to prevent HBV infection. Before taking medicine consult your doctor. Dose and duration will be decided by the necessity and need of the patient. It depends on the treatment and may change from time to time. You should take medicine as per your doctor’s advice. This medicine is strictly not recommended for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It takes some weeks and months to get a better result. Do not stop taking the medicine before your doctor’s advice.

The common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and rash. If these side effects become serious, you should consult with your doctor. They prevent and get relief from the side effects. Some people may experience a skin reaction or liver damage. Your doctor closely monitors you during the treatment.

The benefit of Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet?

• In the treatment of Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

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

Side effects of Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet

There are Some major and minor side effects of this medicine. But not all side effects need doctor attention. If you may experience any side effects that become serious, You may consult your doctor.

Some of the common side effects of this medicine include

• Allergy
• Diarrhea
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Dizziness

How is Entavir 0.5 mg Tablet taken?

Always take this medicine as per your doctor’s consultation. Entavir 0.5 mg is always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. It is not a cure and should neither be used to prevent HBV infection. The dose and duration will decide by your doctor. Do not miss the dose. If you miss a dose skip the missed dose and follow your schedule regularly on the next day. Do not double the dose. Take medicine every day on time as prescribed by your doctor. Many other medicines can affect this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using during the treatment.

How does Entavir 0.5 mg work?

This medicine inhibits the activity of an enzyme ( HBV DNA polymerase) to compete with the natural substrate (deoxyguanosine triphosphate), resulting in disruption of viral DNA growth. It is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells. It stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.