Compare Baraclude vs. Retrovir

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

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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 drugs to treat HIV infection or prevents transmission to your baby.

Retrovir (zidovudine) is not the first choice to treat HIV because of its side effects.

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.
  • Retrovir (zidovudine) is safe and effective for children and infants.
  • Retrovir (zidovudine) is available in several single-pill combination tablets so you don't need to take as many pills.
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.
  • Retrovir (zidovudine) can cause serious blood, muscle, and liver problems.
  • Many people experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache when taking Retrovir (zidovudine).
  • Taking Retrovir (zidovudine) can raise your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
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Used for
  • Hepatitis B
  • Prevention of hepatitis B reinfection after liver transplant
  • HIV infection
  • Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission
  • HIV Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$31.95
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Lowest price
$23.60
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Reviews
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Side effects
2possible side effects
  • Headache
    4%
  • Tiredness
    3%
See more detailed side effects
12possible side effects
  • Fever
    25%
  • Cough
    15%
  • Skin rashes
    12%
  • Enlarged liver
    11%
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
    9%
  • Nausea and vomiting
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Nasal discharge or congestion
    8%
  • Wheezing
    7%
  • Pain in the ear
    7%
  • Swelling of the mouth
    6%
  • Enlarged spleen
    5%
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
  • Blood and bone marrow problems
    • Advanced HIV
    • Anemia
    • Neutropenia
  • Muscle and kidney damage
    • Extended use of Retrovir (zidovudine)
  • Acid build-up in the blood
    • Liver disease
    • Women
    • Obesity
  • Fat redistribution
    • HIV treatment
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Baraclude (entecavir)
Learn more about Retrovir (zidovudine)