Learn about Entecavir from Consumer Reports Health.

Prescription Drugs

contains or is another name for this drug.

Entecavir (en te' ka veer)

Other names: Baraclude

Important Warning
Entecavir can cause serious or life-threatening damage to the liver and a condition called lactic ... Full Alert

Why is this medication prescribed?

Entecavir is used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who have liver damage. Entecavir is in a class of medications called nucleoside analogs. It works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the body. Entecavir does not cure HBV and may not prevent complications of chronic hepatitis B such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Entecavir does not prevent the spread of HBV to other people.

How should this medication be used?

Entecavir comes as a tablet and solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal and at least 2 hours before the next meal. Take entecavir at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take entecavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To use the entecavir solution, follow these steps:

Hold the spoon that came with your medication upright and slowly fill it with entecavir solution up to the mark that matches your dose.
Hold the spoon with the volume marks facing you and check to see that the top of the liquid is level with the mark that matches your dose.
Swallow the medication right from the measuring spoon. Do not mix the medication with water or any other liquid.
Rinse the spoon with water after each use, and allow it to air dry.
Put the spoon in a safe place where it will not get lost because you will need to use it every time you take your medication. If you do lose the dosing spoon, call your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Other names

Baraclude®

Last Revised January 04, 2008

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