Baraclude
(entecavir)
Treats hepatitis B.
Our bottom line
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.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (entecavir)
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.
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What to expect from Baraclude, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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.
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What to expect from Baraclude, on one page
Download Fact SheetBaraclude (entecavir) is an antiviral (a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) that prevents hepatitis B virus from making copies of itself.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (entecavir)
Used for
- Hepatitis B
- Prevention of hepatitis B reinfection after liver transplant
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$62.90 - Rite AidGet free coupon$63.91
What to expect when you take Baraclude (entecavir) for Hepatitis B
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Tiredness
Side effect rates for Baraclude (entecavir)
- Headache4%4%
- Tiredness3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Baraclude.
People taking Baraclude felt side effect more
People taking Baraclude felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Baraclude (entecavir)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Stopping Baraclude (entecavir)
Your hepatitis B infection can get worse if you stop taking Baraclude (entecavir), usually within 6 months after stopping Baraclude (entecavir). Don’t suddenly stop taking Baraclude (entecavir) without talking to your doctor first. After stopping Baraclude (entecavir), your doctor will check your liver regularly, and there's a chance that you'll need to restart Baraclude (entecavir).
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Baraclude (entecavir)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Your hepatitis B infection can get worse if you stop taking Baraclude (entecavir), usually within 6 months after stopping Baraclude (entecavir). Don’t suddenly stop taking Baraclude (entecavir) without talking to your doctor first. After stopping Baraclude (entecavir), your doctor will check your liver regularly, and there's a chance that you'll need to restart Baraclude (entecavir).
- Safer option for people with kidney damage.
- Doesn't cure hepatitis B.