Introduction
Entecavir 1 mg is a nucleoside analogue used primarily to manage chronic hepatitis B infection. It helps reduce viral load and liver damage, improving patient outcomes. Marketed under names including entecavir tablet, this drug is integral in the antiviral therapeutic arsenal.
Mechanism of Action
Entecavir is a guanosine nucleoside analogue that competitively inhibits the hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase enzyme. After intracellular phosphorylation to its active triphosphate form, it blocks three critical steps in HBV replication:
Priming of the HBV polymerase,
Reverse transcription of the negative DNA strand from pregenomic RNA,
Synthesis of the positive DNA strand.
This inhibition effectively reduces viral replication and DNA synthesis.
Uses and Indications
Primarily, entecavir 1 mg is indicated for:
Treatment of chronic HBV infection in adults with active viral replication and elevated liver enzymes,
Both compensated and decompensated liver disease stages,
Patients who are nucleoside-naïve or resistant to lamivudine.
Efficacy and Clinical Evidence
Clinical trials have demonstrated entecavir's superiority in suppressing HBV DNA, normalizing liver enzyme levels, and improving liver histology compared to other antiviral agents. It shows potent antiviral activity even against certain lamivudine-resistant HBV strains, making it highly effective in both first-line and salvage therapy.
Side Effects and Safety Profile
Most patients tolerate entecavir well. Common side effects include:
Headache,
Fatigue,
Dizziness,
Nausea,
Gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea, vomiting),
Insomnia.
Serious but rare adverse events include lactic acidosis, liver inflammation, or enlargement. Regular monitoring is advised to detect hepatic function changes early
Contraindications and Precautions
Hypersensitivity to entecavir or related nucleoside analogues,
Caution in patients with HIV not on HAART due to potential for resistance development,
Dose adjustments needed for patients with renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Entecavir has minimal interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes and few significant drug interactions. However:
Caution with drugs affecting renal function or tubular secretion,
No significant interactions with lamivudine, adefovir, or tenofovir noted.
Warnings and Regulatory Status
Entecavir is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is approved for oral use with strict adherence to dosing and monitoring guidelines. Withdrawal without medical supervision may lead to HBV flare-ups.
Patient Advice and Tips
Take tab entecavir 1 mg on an empty stomach, 2 hours before or after food,
Adherence to prescribed dosage is critical,
Report any unusual symptoms promptly,
Inform your doctor of ongoing medications and any kidney problems,
Regular blood tests for liver function and viral load are essential.
Availability
Entecavir 1 mg tablets are widely available in pharmacies in the form of film-coated tablets suitable for convenient oral administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is entecavir used for?
It is used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection by suppressing viral replication.Can entecavir cure hepatitis B?
It controls the virus effectively but does not cure HBV completely.How should entecavir be taken?
Preferably on an empty stomach once daily at the same time each day.Are there any common side effects?
Yes, including headache, nausea, and fatigue.Can I stop treatment once symptoms improve?
No, stopping medication without medical advice may worsen liver disease or cause viral relapse.
Why Choose Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd?
Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd provides high-quality entecavir tablets formulated to ensure optimal bioavailability and efficacy. Their manufacturing adheres to stringent quality control, ensuring safety and consistency. Choosing Steris Healthcare guarantees reliable supply and adherence to regulatory standards for tab entecavir 1 mg.
Conclusion
Entecavir 1 mg is a cornerstone antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B infection, offering potent viral suppression with a favorable safety profile. Its mechanism targeting multiple replication steps of HBV polymerase makes it effective across varied patient groups, including those with drug-resistant HBV. With proper medical supervision, entecavir tablet from trusted manufacturers like Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd can significantly improve patient health outcomes.
