Entavir 0.5mg Tablet is used for:

• Chronic hepatitis B infection: It is used in adults with chronic HBV infection and appropriate evidence of active viral replication and liver disease.

• Chronic hepatitis B with compensated liver disease: The 0.5mg dose is commonly used in adults who have not previously received nucleoside analogue treatment.

• Selected paediatric patients: Entecavir may be used in children and adolescents from 2 years of age in specific circumstances, with the dose determined according to body weight and clinical factors.

Entavir helps suppress HBV but does not eliminate the virus from the body. Treatment duration is determined by the doctor and may be prolonged.

Entavir 0.5mg Tablet contains entecavir, a nucleoside analogue antiviral. It interferes with the activity of the HBV DNA polymerase, an enzyme the virus needs to make new viral DNA.

By reducing HBV replication, entecavir lowers the amount of virus in the blood and helps reduce ongoing viral activity in the liver.

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you take.

• Medicines that affect kidney function: Entacavir is mainly eliminated through the kidneys. Medicines that reduce kidney function may increase entecavir levels and require closer monitoring.

• Medicines eliminated through the kidneys: Medicines that compete with entecavir for renal tubular secretion may affect the levels of either medicine.

• Lamivudine, adefovir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: No significant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed with entecavir, although treatment decisions should still be made by your doctor.

• Previous hepatitis B treatment: Tell your doctor if you have previously taken medicines for HBV, particularly lamivudine, because previous resistance can affect the choice and effectiveness of entecavir treatment.

• Store Entavir 0.5mg Tablet below 30°C.

• Keep it in the original packaging to protect it from moisture.

• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

• Do not use it after the expiry date.

Take Entavir 0.5mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For adults with compensated chronic hepatitis B who have not previously received nucleoside analogue treatment, the usual recommended dose is 0.5mg once daily, and it may be taken with or without food.

Some patients, including those with previous lamivudine resistance or decompensated liver disease, require a different dose and may need to take entecavir on an empty stomach. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule yourself.

If your doctor instructs you to take entecavir on an empty stomach, take it at least 2 hours after a meal and at least 2 hours before the next meal.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and then take the next scheduled dose at the usual time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

Do not stop Entavir without your doctor's advice. Stopping entecavir can cause a serious flare-up of hepatitis B, so liver function needs to be monitored after treatment is discontinued.

Common side effects of Entavir 0.5mg Tablet may include:

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Sleepiness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Indigestion

• Increased liver enzymes

• Insomnia

These effects are usually manageable, but tell your doctor if they persist or become troublesome.

Serious side effects:

• Severe worsening of hepatitis, particularly after stopping treatment

• Severe liver problems or liver failure

• Lactic acidosis, a rare but serious build-up of lactic acid in the blood

• Severe enlargement of the liver with fatty changes

• Severe allergic reactions

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, marked weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, difficulty breathing, or other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

• Take Entavir 0.5mg Tablet at the same time each day to help maintain consistent antiviral treatment.

• Do not stop Entavir without speaking with your doctor because hepatitis B can flare after treatment is stopped.

• Attend regular liver function and HBV monitoring appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease because the dose may need adjustment.

• Inform your doctor if you have previously taken lamivudine or other medicines for hepatitis B.

• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of treatment resistance.

• Entavir reduces HBV replication but does not necessarily prevent transmission of hepatitis B. Continue appropriate precautions to protect others.

• Tell your doctor about all medicines that may affect kidney function.