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General Medication Fact Sheet for Entecavir
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Entecavir |
| Brand Name Versions | Baraclude |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Severe exacerbations of hepatitis B (HBV) have been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-HBV therapy, including entecavir. Hepatic function should be monitored closely for at least several months in patients who discontinue anti-HBV therapy. If appropriate, initiation of anti-HBV therapy may be warranted. |
| Purpose | Antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits HBV reverse transcriptase, blocking viral replication |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, Oral solution |
| Available Strengths | 0.5 mg, 1 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once daily, on an empty stomach |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea |
| Serious Side Effects | Lactic acidosis, liver problems, kidney problems, exacerbation of hepatitis B upon discontinuation |
| Drug Interactions | Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil |
| Important Notes | Take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal); regular monitoring of liver function is necessary; do not discontinue without medical advice |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread), Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy), Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera), Lamivudine (Epivir HBV) |
Entecavir Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) | Inhibits HBV reverse transcriptase | Another commonly used antiviral for HBV. |
| Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy) | Inhibits HBV reverse transcriptase | A newer formulation of tenofovir with potentially fewer side effects. |
| Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera) | Inhibits HBV DNA polymerase | An alternative antiviral, but potentially more toxic than entecavir or tenofovir. |
| Lamivudine (Epivir HBV) | Inhibits HBV reverse transcriptase | Can develop resistance more easily than entecavir or tenofovir. |
Entecavir Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Lactic acidosis (rare but serious) |
| Fatigue | Liver problems (hepatitis flare) |
| Dizziness | Kidney problems |
| Nausea | Enlarged liver |
| Insomnia | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Entecavir Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) – Treatment-Naïve | 0.5 mg | 0.5 mg once daily | Take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal). |
| Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) – Lamivudine-Resistant | 1 mg | 1 mg once daily | Take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal). |
Entecavir Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $100 – $200 |
| From CPS | $88.95 |
