Entecavir for hepatitis B
Content date: 11 November 2026
Entecavir suppresses hepatitis B virus (HBV) and protects the liver. Treatment is often long term; a low viral load does not mean you can stop.
Your next step
Check your written prescription and monitoring plan. If anything is unclear, ask your care team before changing a dose.
Get urgent help: Get urgent help for new jaundice, confusion, or breathlessness with profound weakness or abdominal pain and vomiting.
How to use
- The usual dose for a previously untreated adult is 0.5 mg daily. Your specialist may select 1 mg in particular circumstances and adjusts dosing for kidney impairment. Follow your written food instructions: if an empty stomach is required, leave at least two hours after eating and two hours before the next meal. Instructions vary by your clinical situation and product; ask the pharmacist if uncertain. For a missed dose, follow the leaflet; never double.
Storage
- Follow the temperature on your pack: storage requirements vary between products and even between blisters and bottles. Retain the original packaging, close bottles tightly, and keep away from children, light and heat.
Tests and follow-up
- Follow-up includes HBV DNA, liver enzymes and kidney function. An HIV test is needed before treatment. Continue scheduled liver ultrasound if your clinician recommends it.
Possible side effects: what to expect
- Not everyone gets side effects. Headache, nausea, tiredness or dizziness may occur. Avoid driving if dizzy, and contact your team if symptoms persist or affect daily activities; do not adjust the dose yourself.
- Lactic acidosis, a dangerous acid build-up, is rare but important, particularly with advanced liver impairment or other serious illness. Follow-up helps detect problems. Stopping treatment can also trigger a severe hepatitis flare, so do not stop suddenly.
Important
- Do not stop or run out: stopping can trigger a severe hepatitis flare. Tell your team about previous lamivudine, medicines affecting the kidneys, all supplements, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Entecavir alone is not suitable HIV treatment.
My prescribed plan - complete with the team
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
When to get help
Get urgent help for new jaundice, confusion, or breathlessness with profound weakness or abdominal pain and vomiting.
Contact the clinic for persistent nausea, dizziness or headache, repeated missed doses, or difficulty obtaining refills.