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Entekast 0.5 Tablet
Last updated on 25 Aug 2026 | 06:29 AM (IST)
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₹968
MRP: ₹2,150.00
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Introduction
Entekast 0.5 Tablet is an antiviral drug in the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class, containing the active ingredient Entecavir. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It occurs when the immune system fails to clear the virus from the liver within 6 months of the initial infection.
Before starting treatment with this drug, it is important to inform your doctor about any existing skin problems, as well as any history of anaemia, seizures, or liver or kidney disease. Regular blood tests may be important to monitor your blood counts and liver function while using this medication. These tests help your healthcare provider assess how your body is responding to the medication and detect potential side effects or complications early.
Alcohol consumption should be completely avoided, as it may increase the risk of liver damage. This drug may cause lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid in the blood), a rare but severe adverse effect, particularly in obese women. But if you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain while taking this tablet, please contact your physician immediately.
Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. Do not take Entekast 0.5 Tablet while pregnant unless your doctor specifically advises it. Using effective contraceptive methods while using this tablet is recommended to avoid pregnancy.
Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment, as it is unknown if this drug passes into the breast milk. Do not take this tablet if you are allergic to any of the other ingredients of this medicine. It is important for individuals living with HIV to take precautions to prevent transmission of the virus. This includes avoiding unprotected sex and sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes.
Condoms and other safe practices can help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV during sexual activity. It is recommended that you discuss appropriate measures with your doctor to prevent transmission.
Uses
Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
How Entekast 0.5 Tablet Works
It works by inhibiting DNA synthesis, effectively reducing viral load and helping suppress HBV replication. As a result, it can improve liver function by reducing inflammation and preventing further liver damage caused by the virus.
Interaction of Entekast 0.5 Tablet with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with Entekast 0.5 Tablet and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Storage Conditions
Store the Entekast 0.5 Tablet in a tightly closed container at 25°C
Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets
How to Use
It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Entekast 0.5 Tablet based on disease status and other factors, such as body weight and age. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet at the same time, with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. If you forgot to take the tablet, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Safety Advice
Pregnancy
Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning to get pregnant during the treatment. Do not take Entekast 0.5 Tablet while pregnant unless your doctor specifically advises it.
Breast Feeding
Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment, as it is unknown whether Entekast 0.5 Tablet passes into the breast milk. Consult your doctor for more advice before initiating the therapy.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Entekast 0.5 Tablet is safe to be administered in patients with lung diseases. Inform your physician if you have any lung disease before starting therapy.
Liver
Entekast 0.5 Tablet should be administered cautiously in patients with liver diseases. Dose adjustments are necessary. However, inform your physician if you have any liver disease before initiating the therapy.
Alcohol
It is highly unsafe to drink alcohol while taking Entekast 0.5 Tablet. It may reduce the effectiveness of the drug and can cause liver damage.
Driving
Limited studies are available on the effects of Entekast 0.5 Tablet on driving ability. Dizziness and seizures have been reported by patients. However, if you experience these, inform your doctor and seek medical advice.
Side Effects
Entekast 0.5 Tablet side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious side effects of Entekast 0.5 Tablet are:
Lactic acidosis (muscle pain, troubled breathing, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, cold, especially in arms and legs, dizziness)
Liver problems (yellow skin and whites of the eyes, dark urine, light-coloured stools, lower stomach pain)
Common side effects of Entekast 0.5 Tablet are:
Headache
Inability to sleep
Extreme tiredness
Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Expert tips
Infection risk – Do not share needles or personal items that may contain blood or body fluids, as this can spread HBV or HIV. Taking the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to prevent infection.
Regular monitoring – Routine blood tests are advised to check liver function, hepatitis B virus levels, and blood cell counts.
Lactose intolerance – This medicine contains lactose, which may cause bloating or abdominal pain in people who cannot digest it. Inform your doctor if you are lactose intolerant.
Safety measures – Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience lightheadedness, tiredness, or sleepiness during treatment.
FAQs
Q1.
What is Entekast 0.5 Tablet used for?
Entekast 0.5 Tablet is used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults, children, and adolescents (2-18 years old).
Q2.
Entekast 0.5 Tablet vs. Tenofovir: which is more effective?
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and Entekast 0.5 Tablet (ETV) are effective antivirals recommended as first-line monotherapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection.
Q3.
How long should Entekast 0.5 Tablet be taken?
Avoid stopping this drug without first talking to your doctor. Entekast 0.5 Tablet withdrawal before treatment may make your hepatitis worse, and this may occur in the initial months after stopping the medicine. Take the medication exactly as directed.
Q4.
Is Entekast 0.5 Tablet effective in treating hepatitis B virus infection?
Yes, Entekast 0.5 Tablet is effective in suppressing hepatitis B virus replication and reducing the amount of virus in the blood.
Q5.
How is Entekast 0.5 Tablet taken?
Take Entekast 0.5 Tablet as directed by your doctor, and keep taking it until they advise you to stop. It is normally taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before and after meals, and it is advisable to take it every day around the same time.
Q6.
Does Entekast 0.5 Tablet cause lactic acidosis?
Entekast 0.5 Tablet may cause lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid in the blood), a rare but severe adverse effect, particularly in obese women. But if you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain while taking this drug, please contact your physician immediately.
Q7.
What are the common side effects of Entekast 0.5 Tablet?
Common side effects of Entekast 0.5 Tablet include nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, insomnia (inability to sleep), fatigue (extreme tiredness), and indigestion.
Fact Box
Molecule name: Entecavir | Therapeutic class: Antiviral |
Pharmacological class: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) | Indications: Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection |
References
Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral agents (nonretroviral), 12th edition, 2011, 1616-1617.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021797s011lbl.pdf
Disclaimer
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Author Details
Written By
Naina Boruah
MSc Biomedical Science
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 25 Aug 2026 | 06:29 AM (IST)
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