Compare Baraclude vs. Ziagen

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

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Baraclude (entecavir)

Prescription only

Ziagen (abacavir)

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.

Ziagen (abacavir) is a first-choice medication that is used with others to treat HIV. It's important that your doctor test you for allergic reactions to Ziagen (abacavir) before starting the medication.

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.
  • Ziagen (abacavir) is found in many other combination tablets.
  • Ziagen (abacavir) has few drug interactions.
  • People whose kidneys are not working as well can still take Ziagen (abacavir) without having to change its dose.
  • Kids 3 months and older can use Ziagen (abacavir).
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.
  • Ziagen (abacavir) can increase your risk of heart attack.
  • This is not a great medication to take if you have liver problems.
  • Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Ziagen (abacavir). Your doctor will test you for any possible risk of reaction before starting Ziagen (abacavir).
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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
$40.64
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Lowest price
$46.96
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Reviews
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Side effects
2possible side effects
  • Headache
    4%
  • Tiredness
    3%
See more detailed side effects
21possible side effects
  • Nausea
    19%
  • Headache
    13%
  • Fatigue and discomfort
    12%
  • Dreams/sleep disorders
    10%
  • Nausea and vomiting
    10%
  • Severe allergic reactions
    9%
  • Fever and/or chills
    9%
  • Headaches/migraine
    7%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Skin rashes
    7%
  • Rashes
    6%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
  • Depression
    6%
  • Dizziness
    6%
  • Muscle and joint pain
    6%
  • Ear/nose/throat infections
    5%
  • Viral respiratory infections
    5%
  • Anxiety
    5%
  • Bronchitis
    4%
  • Pneumonia
    4%
  • Vomiting
    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
  • Severe allergic reactions
    • Positive genetic test (HLA B5701)
  • Lactic acidosis & severe liver damage
    • Obesity
    • Women
    • History of liver problems
  • Immune system reactivation
  • Fat redistribution
  • Heart attack
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Diabetes
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Baraclude (entecavir)
Learn more about Ziagen (abacavir)