Baraclude (Entecavir) is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and children over the age of 2 and weighing at least 22 pounds (10 kilogrammes).
Baraclude (Entecavir) is not a hepatitis cure. It is unknown whether this medication will protect against cirrhosis or liver cancer. Entecavir may also be used for uses other than those specified in this drug guide.
How to use it?
Before you begin taking entecavir read the Patient Information Leaflet issued by your chemist. If you have any concerns, see your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this drug by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal), generally once daily, as advised by your doctor.
If you are taking entecavir orally, use the medication spoon provided to accurately measure your dose. If you use a regular spoon, you may not obtain the exact dose. Take the drug straight from the measuring spoon.
It is critical that you continue to take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. There should be no missed doses.This medicine works best when the drug level in your body is kept steady. Take this medication at regular intervals. Take it at the same time every day.
Do not take more or less of this medication than recommended, or discontinue it for any reason, unless told to do so by your doctor. This may increase the amount of virus, make the illness more difficult to cure (resistant), or exacerbate adverse effects. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
Side-Effects
Common side effects of Baraclude include:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- upset stomach,
- temporary hair loss,
- headache,
- skin rash,
- fatigue,
- dizziness, or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
Baraclude can potentially cause serious liver problems. Inform your doctor if you develop any of the following liver symptoms:
- Low temperature,
- stomach ache,
- loss of appetite,
- dark urine,
- clay-colored feces,
- or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Warnings
If you have untreated HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), you should not take Baraclude.
After you stop using Baraclude, your hepatitis B symptoms may return or worsen. During therapy and for several months after stopping this medication, you will require periodic blood tests to monitor your liver function.
This medication has the potential to cause lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal disease. If you have even moderate symptoms such as muscular pain or weakness, numbness or coldness in your arms and legs, difficulty breathing, stomach discomfort, nausea with vomiting, rapid or irregular heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or exhausted, get emergency medical attention.
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