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Entecavir
en-TEH-ka-veer   Audio

Brand Name: Baraclude  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Entecavir, also known as Baraclude, belongs to the class of medicines called antivirals. Antivirals kill viruses or stop viruses from multiplying. When infections occur in patients with weakened immune systems, including people with HIV or AIDS, they tend to be more serious and are called opportunistic infections (OIs).

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Entecavir was approved by the FDA on March 30, 2005, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a common coinfection in people with HIV. Although entecavir is not intended for use in the treatment of HIV, it appears to partially inhibit HIV replication when used to treat HBV. More study is needed to determine the effect of entecavir on HIV. Entecavir should not be given to HIV infected patients who are not also taking other medicines that work against HIV. This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Entecavir comes in tablet and oral suspension form and is taken by mouth without food. Entecavir should be taken at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal.

Recommended Daily Dose
The recommended dosage of entecavir for adults is 0.5 mg once a day. Patients with decreased kidney function may need to take entecavir less than once a day.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine. Patients with decreased creatinine clearance may require dosage adjustment when taking entecavir.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, entecavir can cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of entecavir's side effects are known, headache, unusual tiredness or weakness, dizziness, and nausea have been reported.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Entecavir.

Manufacturer Information
Entecavir
  Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
  PO Box 4500
  Princeton,  NJ  08543-4500
  (800) 321-1335
    

Baraclude
  Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
  PO Box 4500
  Princeton,  NJ  08543-4500
  (800) 321-1335
    
Updated September 4, 2007