Author Details
Written By
BDS
Reviewed By
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
29 Nov 2023 | 06:57 PM (IST)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and relevant information

Want to know more

Have issue with the content?

Report Problem

Entarica 0.5 Tablet

Prescription Required

Product introduction

Entecavir is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing its levels in the body. By suppressing viral replication, it helps to slow down the progression of liver damage.

Entarica 0.5 Tablet should be taken in an empty stomach. Take it in the exact dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions carefully. Taking it regularly at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness and help improve liver function, and decrease the risk of complications associated with chronic HBV infection. It is not known whether Entarica 0.5 Tablet will reduce your chances of getting liver cancer or liver damage (cirrhosis), which may be caused by chronic HBV infection. Do not miss a dose and keep taking until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop. 
Common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, and diarrhea. These are usually not serious but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away. Rarely, some people may experience a skin reaction or liver damage. Your doctor will closely monitor you for these in the initial period of treatment.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any skin problems or kidney disease. While using it, you may need regular blood tests to check your blood counts and liver function. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Do not have unprotected sex or share personal items like razors or toothbrushes, if you are HIV positive. Talk to your doctor about safe ways like condoms to prevent HIV transmission during sex.

Benefits of Entarica Tablet

In Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

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

This medicine is always taken in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. It is not a cure and should neither be used to prevent HBV infection. It is important that you take this medicine as prescribed, following the dosage recommended by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of the medicine.

Side effects of Entarica Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Entarica

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea

How to use Entarica Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Entarica 0.5 Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.

How Entarica Tablet works

Entarica 0.5 Tablet is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Safety advice

Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Entarica 0.5 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Entarica 0.5 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Entarica 0.5 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Entarica 0.5 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Entarica 0.5 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Entarica 0.5 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Entarica 0.5 Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Entarica 0.5 Tablet is recommended.

What if you forget to take Entarica Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Entarica 0.5 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Entarica 0.5 Tablet
₹50.3/Tablet
₹60.8/tablet
21% costlier
Entehep 0.5 Tablet
Zydus Cadila
₹68.2/tablet
36% costlier
Entaliv 0.5 Tablet
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
₹82.4/tablet
64% costlier
Entaliv 0.5 Tablet
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
₹84.17/tablet
67% costlier
Frithvir 0.5mg Tablet
La Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd
₹71.2/tablet
42% costlier

Quick tips

  • You have been prescribed Entarica 0.5 Tablet for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
  • Take it on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after or before a meal.
  • Entarica 0.5 Tablet may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
  • During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Nucleoside analog
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI INFECTIVES
Action Class
Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Interaction with drugs

Taking Entarica with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Brand(s): Alovir, Acvirax, Acilowir
Life-threatening
Brand(s): Seloric, Aluric, Alopinol
Life-threatening
Brand(s): Herpinil-F, Famtag, Virax FC
Life-threatening
Brand(s): Ganpyar
Life-threatening

Patient concerns

arrow
I'm suffering from hepatitis b virus. I want to ask what precautions should i take with my diet so that virus doesn't damage my liver
Dr. Sunil Sekhri
Diabetology
first i would like to see your Hepatitis Profile test reports
I am infected for hepatitis b virus. I am toke allopathy treatment. But I want take now ayurvedic treatment.please help me.
Dr. Aanchal Maheshwari
Ayurveda
Your case has to be seen in person before starting the treatment.
arrow

User feedback


FAQs

Q. How should Entarica 0.5 Tablet be taken?

You should take Entarica 0.5 Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor and continue taking it till your doctor tells you to stop. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal and at least 2 hours before the next meal. It is advised to take it around the same time every day. If not sure, consult your doctor.

Q. Can Entarica 0.5 Tablet cause liver problems?

Yes, Entarica 0.5 Tablet can cause serious liver problems like hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) and steatosis (an increased build-up of fat in the liver). It is important to know that hepatomegaly along with steatosis is a serious medical emergency which requires immediate medical attention.

Q. What are the symptoms of serious liver problems?

The symptoms of liver problems include jaundice (a condition in which your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow), dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea and stomach pain. These symptoms are more common in women, overweight patients, or if you have been on Entarica 0.5 Tablet for a long time. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience any such symptoms.

Q. What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with Entarica 0.5 Tablet?

Drug resistance is a state where the medicine which was once effective in treating an infection becomes ineffective. This mainly happens due to the ability acquired by the virus or bacteria to get modified inside the body which affects the overall working of the medicine. Hence, the medicine is no longer able to fight against the virus or bacteria. Generally, drug resistance with Entarica 0.5 Tablet is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.

Q. How long should I take Entarica 0.5 Tablet?

Do not stop taking entecavir without consulting your doctor. Stopping entecavir before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can happen during the first several months after you stop taking entecavir. Take the medicine strictly as advised and do not miss any dose.

Q. What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Entarica 0.5 Tablet?

The use of Entarica 0.5 Tablet is not recommended in HBV patients who are also diagnosed with HIV, until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Entarica 0.5 Tablet in such patients may cause resistance to the prescribed HIV medicines. Therefore, doctors recommend tests for HIV in patients diagnosed with HBV infection before starting treatment with Entarica 0.5 Tablet.

Q. Can Entarica 0.5 Tablet cure hepatitis B?

No, Entarica 0.5 Tablet does not cure hepatitis B but may improve the condition of the liver. The medicine may help decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present in the body. This is done by limiting the ability of HBV to multiply and further infect new liver cells.

Want to share the information?

Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1616-617.
  2. Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 869.
  3. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 474-75.
  4. Entecavir. Uxbridge, Middlesex: Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals limited; 2006 [revised 1 Feb. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  5. Entecavir. Princeton, New Jersey: Bristol-Myers Squibb; 2005 [revised Oct. 2012]. [Accessed 31 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  6. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 31 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  7. CiplaMed. Entecavir [Prescribing Information]. [Last Revised: 10/03/2021]. [Accessed 22 Jun. 2023] (online) Available from:External Link
  8. Entecavir [Prescribing Information]. Waterford, Ireland: EirGen Pharma Ltd.; 2017. [Accessed 22 Jun. 2023] (online) Available from:External Link

Marketer details

Name: Fibrica Healthcare Pvt Ltd
Address: Fibrica Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., B-435 SoBo Center, Bopal, Ahmedabad - 380058
Country of origin: India

The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.

503
Inclusive of all taxes
MRP529.65  5% OFF
10.0 tablets in 1 strip
SOLD OUT
Notify me
View available packs

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

LegitScript approved
India's only LegitScript and ISO/ IEC 27001 certified online healthcare platform

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.