Encure Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Entecavir (0.5mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Nucleoside analog |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) |
| User Rating | 4.2 |
| User Reviews | 498 |
FAQ
How long should I take Encure?
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.
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 Encure for a long time. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience any such symptoms.
How should Encure be taken?
You should take Encure 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.
Can Encure cause liver problems?
Yes, Encure 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.
Can Encure cure hepatitis B?
No, Encure 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.
What if HIV infection co-exists with HBV infection? Will this affect treatment with Encure?
The use of Encure is not recommended in HBV patients who are also diagnosed with HIV, until and unless these patients start taking medicines for HIV management. Starting Encure 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 Encure.
What is drug resistance? Can I develop drug resistance with Encure?
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 Encure is more likely to happen if you take less dose than what is recommended.
What if you forget to take Encure?
If you miss a dose of Encure, 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.
Encure Tablet Reviews
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.
Encure 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 Encure 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.
Encure 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 Encure 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.
How Encure Tablet Works
Encure 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.
How to Use Encure 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. Encure is to be taken empty stomach.
Benefits of Encure Tablet
- In Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: In patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Encure 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.
Uses of Encure Tablet
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
Encure Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Driving
UNSAFE
Encure may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Encure. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
CAUTION
Encure should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Encure may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Encure 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
Encure is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Encure is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Encure is recommended.
Quick Tips
- Encure 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.
- You have been prescribed Encure 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.
- 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.
References
- Entecavir [Prescribing Information]. Waterford, Ireland: EirGen Pharma Ltd.; 2017.
- 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.
- 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.
- CiplaMed. Entecavir [Prescribing Information]. [Last Revised: 10/03/2021].
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Entecavir. Uxbridge, Middlesex: Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals limited; 2006 [revised 1 Feb. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Entecavir. Princeton, New Jersey: Bristol-Myers Squibb; 2005 [revised Oct. 2012].
- 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.