Baraclude (Entecavir)

What is Baraclude?

Baraclude with generic name, entecavir is an antiviral medication. It is a nucleoside analogue.

What is Baraclude used for?

Baraclude is indicated for the treatment of Hepatitis B virus infection in some patients. It stops the virus from multiplying or infecting other cells in the liver.

How does Baraclude work?

Baraclude works by reducing the level of Hepatitis B virus in the blood. It slows down the growth of the virus, and hence, prevents the disease from augmenting.

How to use Baraclude

Follow the instructions given by the physician and do not consume more than required. If you still have some doubts, go through the information label attached.

For best results, Baraclude should be consumed once a day on an empty stomach. That means at least in a gap of 2 hours before or after a meal. Take the medicine with a full glass of water. The drug is said to work best, when taken at the same time, everyday.

While measuring the liquid dose, use only special-dose measuring device and not standard tablespoon or teaspoon. Baraclude also comes in tablets.

Baraclude warnings and precautions

Baraclude might cause dizziness and this may increase with the intake of alcohol. So, try and avoid alcohol during the course.

Also, Baraclude does not stop the contagion via sex, exposure to blood or shared needles. Therefore, be cautious and take precautionary measures. Check with your doctor about safe sex practices and do not share needles.

Avoid sharing things that contain body fluids, or check with the medical practitioner about the vaccine available for people at risk of getting infected.

Do not stop the dosage by yourself and talk to your doctor. When the medicine gets finished, immediately get a new one. Any irregularity in dosage may result in making the virus resistant, and hence, difficult to treat.

During the course of your treatment, you may be asked to go for lab tests, make sure that you don’t skip them. They are done to keep a check on the side effects.

Take special care in case of elders, as they may be extra sensitive. Pregnant or lactating women are advised to discuss the risks involved, with their doctors, before taking this medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Baraclude dose?

If you have missed your Baraclude dose, you should take it immediately. Avoid taking two doses at a time. If it’s time for the next dose, go for it.

What do I do if I have taken a Baraclude overdose?

If you have taken a Baraclude overdose, you should instantly contact the nearest poison control centre. Talk to your doctor immediately and do not panic.

Baraclude interactions

The drugs endangering the kidney are the ones that increase the risk of side effects of Baraclude. These drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Check with your doctor, if you are uncertain about the presence of these drugs in your other prescriptions.

There are several drugs that weaken your immune system; these drugs are likely to interact with Baraclude. Some other drugs that can interact with Baraclude are sirolimus, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, amphotericin B, pentamidine and some antibiotics like capreomycin and vancomycin.

Other antiviral medicines also interact with Baraclude, which itself is an antiviral.

Baraclude side effects

Some common allergic side effects comprise headache, skin rash, temporary hair loss; swollen face, throat, lips or tongue; hives and difficulty in breathing.

One fatal buildup in the body, specifically the lactic acidosis can be caused and it might start slowly, but end up getting severe. This is lethal and you are advised to seek medical help, if you notice any symptoms of the same. These symptoms may be breathing trouble, slow or uneven heart rate, muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or weak.

Baraclude, in some cases, ends up resulting in serious lever problems causing low fever, jaundice, nausea, stomach ache, or dark or clay colored stools. Immediately see a doctor at the slightest sign of these problems.