Drug Notes

Entecavir (By mouth)

Entecavir (en-TEK-a-vir)

Treats hepatitis B.

Brand Name(s):

Baraclude

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Oral liquid: Measure the medicine correctly using the marked measuring spoon that comes with the package. Rinse the dosing spoon with water after each use.
• When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of medicine.
• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. Do not change your dose or schedule unless your doctor tells you to.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or you had a liver transplant.
• Tell your doctor if you have HIV. You may need to get an HIV test before you start taking this medicine and anytime after that if there is a chance you were exposed to HIV.
• This medicine may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of acid in your blood).
• This medicine will not cure hepatitis B or prevent you from spreading hepatitis B to another person through sexual contact or contact with your blood.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017