Entaliv 0.5mg Tablet

1. Product Introduction

Entaliv 0.5mg Tablet is an antiviral medication containing the active ingredient Entecavir, a potent nucleoside analogue used in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Manufactured as an oral tablet, Entaliv 0.5mg is prescribed to patients who are either treatment-naïve or previously treated with lamivudine, and who show active viral replication and liver inflammation.

Entecavir works by inhibiting the replication of the hepatitis B virus in the body, thereby reducing the viral load, decreasing liver damage, and lowering the risk of long-term complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

This medicine must be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and regular monitoring of liver function and viral load is necessary to assess its effectiveness.

2. Uses of This Medicine

Entaliv 0.5mg Tablet is primarily used for:

• Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in adults and children aged 2 years and older with evidence of active viral replication and liver inflammation.

• It is particularly effective in treatment-naïve patients and in those who have shown resistance or partial response to other antiviral therapies like Lamivudine.

The goal of treatment with Entaliv is to achieve sustained suppression of HBV replication and improvement in liver function over time.

3. Benefits of This Medicine

Entaliv 0.5mg offers multiple therapeutic advantages for individuals suffering from chronic hepatitis B:

• Reduces Viral Load: Entecavir effectively suppresses hepatitis B virus replication, leading to a significant reduction in viral load.

• Prevents Liver Damage: By limiting viral activity, it helps in reducing liver inflammation, minimizing damage to liver cells, and preventing progression to cirrhosis.

• Improves Liver Function: Long-term use can result in normalization of liver enzyme levels (ALT/AST), improving overall liver health.

• Delays Disease Progression: With continuous viral suppression, Entaliv reduces the risk of liver failure and liver cancer.

• Well-Tolerated: Entecavir has a favorable safety profile, especially when compared to older antiviral medications.

• Convenient Once-Daily Dosing: The tablet is taken orally once a day, making it easy to incorporate into a daily routine.

Entaliv 0.5mg is particularly beneficial when started early in the course of infection, before significant liver damage occurs.

4. Side Effects

Like all medicines, Entaliv 0.5mg Tablet may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and manageable.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Indigestion or abdominal pain

• Sleep disturbances

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Lactic acidosis (buildup of lactic acid in the body): symptoms include muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, and fatigue.

• Severe liver problems, especially if treatment is stopped abruptly.

• Exacerbation of hepatitis after discontinuation of therapy.

Monitoring Required:

• Liver function tests

• Viral load (HBV DNA levels)

• Kidney function, especially in patients with underlying kidney disease

Notify your doctor if any side effect becomes severe or persistent.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is Entaliv 0.5mg used for?
A: Entaliv 0.5mg is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in patients with active viral replication and liver inflammation. It helps reduce the virus and prevent liver damage.

Q2. How does Entecavir work?
A: Entecavir, the active ingredient in Entaliv, inhibits the enzyme reverse transcriptase in hepatitis B virus, which is essential for viral replication. This helps to reduce the amount of virus in the body.

Q3. How should I take Entaliv 0.5mg?
A: Take the tablet once daily on an empty stomach, ideally 2 hours before or after food, at the same time every day. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Q4. Can I stop taking Entaliv if I feel better?
A: No. Hepatitis B is a chronic infection. Stopping treatment without medical advice can lead to a flare-up of the virus, causing serious liver problems.

Q5. Are there any dietary restrictions while taking this medicine?
A: There are no specific food restrictions, but it’s essential to take the medicine on an empty stomach for best absorption. A liver-friendly diet (low fat, high fiber, and alcohol-free) is generally recommended.