Entehep 0.5 Tablet

Entehep 0.5 Tablet – Entecavir 0.5 mg by Zydus

Entehep 0.5 Tablet from Zydus Cadila contains Entecavir 0.5 mg, a nucleoside analogue used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It works by blocking the viral polymerase that HBV needs to copy its DNA, which suppresses the virus, lowers viral load and allows inflamed liver tissue to recover over time. Unlike hepatitis C therapy, hepatitis B treatment is usually long-term rather than a fixed course – entecavir controls the virus rather than eradicating it, so it is typically continued for years under specialist review. Pack of 30 tablets. Prescription required.

Key Features

• Entecavir 0.5 mg – the standard starting strength for nucleoside-naive patients
• High barrier to resistance compared with older hepatitis B antivirals
• Once-daily dosing, taken on an empty stomach
• Suppresses HBV to reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis over time
• Pack of 30 tablets from Zydus Cadila

Composition

• Entecavir – 0.5 mg per tablet

Refer to the pack label and package insert for the complete list of excipients.

Uses & Benefits

• Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults
• Suppresses viral replication and lowers HBV DNA levels
• Reduces liver inflammation and helps normalise liver enzymes
• Slows or reverses the progression of liver fibrosis with long-term use
• Lowers the long-term risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer
• Strong resistance profile suits long-term therapy

Directions for Use

• Take exactly as prescribed – usually one tablet once daily
• Take on an empty stomach – at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next; food substantially reduces absorption
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush or break it
• Take at the same time each day and do not stop without medical advice
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next is near; never double up

Precautions

• Do not stop abruptly. Stopping entecavir can cause a severe flare of hepatitis – your doctor will monitor liver function for several months after any planned stop
• Lactic acidosis and severe liver enlargement with fatty change have been reported with nucleoside analogues – seek urgent care for unusual muscle pain, severe tiredness, breathlessness or stomach pain
• Not suitable for people with untreated HIV co-infection – entecavir alone can cause HIV resistance, so HIV testing is required first
• Dose adjustment is needed in kidney impairment; regular blood tests are essential throughout
• Avoid alcohol, which adds to liver damage
• May cause dizziness or sleepiness – do not drive until you know how it affects you

Storage

• Store below 30°C in a dry place
• Keep in the original pack, protected from light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children

Disclaimer

Prescription medicine – not to be sold by retail without the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner. This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hepatitis B therapy must be started, monitored and stopped only under the supervision of a qualified specialist.