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ENTECAVIR (en TE ka veer) treats infections caused by the hepatitis B virus. This medication works by limiting the spread of the virus in your body. This medication does not kill the virus and it may still be possible to spread the virus to others. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Baraclude
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work while taking this medication.
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your care team if you plan to stop this medication. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medication.
Hepatitis B is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of hepatitis B.
Tell your care team if you have HIV. You need to be on medications to treat your HIV infection while you are taking this medication.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.