Compare Baraclude vs. Emtriva

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Baraclude (entecavir)

Prescription only

Emtriva (emtricitabine)

Prescription only
Treats hepatitis B.

Baraclude (entecavir) works well to treat hepatitis B, but tenofovir (Viread or Vemlidy) might be the better choice if you’ve taken other oral medicines for hepatitis B before or also have HIV.

Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.

Emtriva (emtricitabine) is a first-line and commonly used drug that is taken in combination with other HIV medications to treat or prevent HIV.

Upsides
  • Baraclude (entecavir) is a first-choice medicine to treat hepatitis B.
  • Safer option for people with kidney damage.
  • Side effects are mild and short-lived.
  • Can be used in children as young as 2 years old.
  • Conveniently comes as a liquid for children and people who struggle to swallow pills.
  • Emtriva (emtricitabine) is a first-line drug option used in combination with other HIV medications to treat HIV.
  • Taken with or without food once a day.
  • Emtriva (emtricitabine) is available in many combination tablets if you are looking to lower the number of pills you need to take daily for HIV treatment.
  • Emtriva (emtricitabine) is available as a capsule as well as liquid form.
Downsides
  • Doesn't cure hepatitis B.
  • Might not be a good choice for people who’ve taken Epivir HBV (lamivudine) in the past due to the possibility of resistance.
  • Not the first choice for people with both hepatitis B and HIV.
  • Patients with kidney damage will need to be closely monitored by their doctors in order to provide an appropriate dose.
  • Cannot be used by itself to treat or prevent HIV infection.
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Used for
  • Hepatitis B
  • Prevention of hepatitis B reinfection after liver transplant
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$33.69
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Lowest price
$538.96
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Reviews
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Side effects
2possible side effects
  • Headache
    4%
  • Tiredness
    3%
See more detailed side effects
18possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    23%
  • Nausea
    18%
  • Nasal stuffiness/runniness (Rhinitis)
    18%
  • Rash
    17%
  • Physical weakness and/or lack of energy
    16%
  • Increased cough
    14%
  • Headache
    13%
  • Vomiting
    9%
  • Abdominal pain
    8%
  • Insomnia
    7%
  • Depressive disorders
    6%
  • "Pins and needles" feeling (paresthesia)
    5%
  • Dyspepsia
    4%
  • Muscle pain
    4%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Nerve weakness/numbness/pain
    4%
  • Joint pain
    3%
  • Abnormal dreams
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    • Stopping Baraclude (entecavir)
  • Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection
    • HIV infection
  • Buildup of acid in the blood and swollen, fatty liver
    • Obesity
    • History of liver disease
    • Women
    • Taking Baraclude (entecavir) for a long time
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Lactic acidosis | Enlarged, fatty liver
    • Liver disease
    • Women
    • Obesity
  • Worsening hepatitis B infection
    • Hepatitis B Virus infection
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Similar medications
    • HIV treatment
  • Kidney Damage
    • History of kidney damage
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Baraclude (entecavir)
Learn more about Emtriva (emtricitabine)