Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: entecavir, oral; Baraclude
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat continuing (chronic) hepatitis B virus infections in adults.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Your symptoms may get worse if you stop taking this medicine too soon. Do not run out of this medicine.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember to take it.
If you are taking the liquid, carefully measure your dose with the spoon provided. Do not use a kitchen spoon or other measuring device. Swallow the medicine directly from the measuring spoon. Do not mix it with any other liquid before taking. After each use, rinse the spoon with water and allow it to air dry.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose or you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You should be tested for HIV infection before taking this medicine and while taking this medicine. If you have an HIV infection and take this medicine, the HIV infection can become more difficult to treat.
This medicine can cause serious or life-threatening liver problems. You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you and after you stop taking this medicine. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious complication that can occur with use of this medicine. This condition is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are:
This medicine does not cure hepatitis B or keep you from spreading it to other people. Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or razor blades with others.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. Carry an ID card or a Medic Alert bracelet. If you become unconscious, the ID tells emergency healthcare providers that you may need special care.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Muscle pain, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, severe nausea or vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, dark urine, decreased urination, light-colored bowel movements, yellowish eyes or skin, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or tiredness, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), severe dizziness.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, heartburn, rash, hair loss.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
