BARACLUDE (ENTECAVIR)

Baraclude Information

Baraclude is a popular medicine also known under the generic name of Entecavir. This is an antiviral drug that is known to prevent certain harmful virus cells from multiplying and spreading in your body. This medicine is commonly prescribed in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Baraclude Indications

Baraclude is a medicine that is widely used in the case of patients who are suffering from viral infections (such as chronic hepatitis B). However, this medicine can also be prescribed by physicians to treat some other diseases that have not been mentioned here.

Baraclude Warnings

You must not start taking Baraclude if you are suffering from allergic reactions to this drug. Before you start a treatment with this medicine, you should inform your physician if you are suffering from any type of kidney disorder or if you had a liver transplant. If you have any of the conditions that have been listed here, you may not be allowed to start taking this drug, or you may have to take in a lower dose of this drug.
Baraclude is a category C FDA pregnancy medicine. Therefore, this drug could harm a growing fetus if it is taken during pregnancy. Alert your physician if you are pregnant or if you plan to be so soon. It has not been determined whether this medicine can pass into breastmilk. You should ask your physician if it is safe to take this drug if you are breastfeeding an infant.

This drug is known to sometimes cause lactic acidosis, a disorder that starts slowly but that gets worse in time. Lactic acidosis symptoms usually include abnormal muscle weakness or pain, uneven heartbeat, vomiting, nausea, cold feet, numbness, stomach pain, etc. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should alert your personal physician as soon as you can. This condition can be lethal. Baraclude is also known to cause serious liver symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, low fever, dark urine, loss of appetite, jaundice, clay-colored stools, etc. Alert your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.

Some patients who were suffering from hepatitis B have developed liver symptoms after their treatment with Baraclude. Taking this medicine does not prevent you from passing this disorder to other people.

Baraclude Intake Guidelines

You ought to take this drug exactly how your doctor has prescribed you to. You can consult the medicine’s label if you want to get further information. If you fail to understand some of the doctor’s instructions, you should contact a pharmacist, a nurse or a doctor and ask them to explain them to you. Each dose of Baraclude (Entecavir) should be accompanied by a full glass of water. If you are taking the liquid form of the drug, you should measure the dose that you take in with a special dose measuring device (a measuring spoon or a measuring cup). If you do not own such a device, it is best that you buy one from your local pharmacy. This drug should be stored at the average room temperature, away from heat, moisture and in a place that is far from the reach of pets and children.

Baraclude Dosage

Ask your physician to calculate the dose of Baraclude that works best for your condition. Do not make any alterations to the dose of Entecavir that you have been prescribed without your physician’s approval.

Baraclude Overdose

If you suspect that you are suffering from an overdose with this drug, you might be in need of medical care. Contact your local poison control center and your personal physician as soon as you can. In order to avoid experiencing overdose with Baraclude, you should avoid taking double doses of this medicine. Entecavir overdose symptoms are not known.

Baraclude Missed Dose

In order to get the most benefits from your intake of this drug (or any other medicine), you should take it on a regular basis. Ask your physician what to do if you miss a dose of Baraclude.

Baraclude Side Effects

Stop your treatment with Baraclude and seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these allergic reactions: hives; breathing difficulties; swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue.
You may continue your treatment with Baraclude but you should alert your physician as soon as you can if you have any of these less severe (but more common) side effects:

mild vomiting, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea;
headache;
insomnia or other sleep problems;
skin rash.

Other side effects that have not been mentioned here can also occur during your treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you experience anything bothersome during your treatment with Baraclude.

Baraclude Drug Reactions

Some drugs available in stores (pharmacies) are known to sometimes harmfully interact with Baraclude. You should ask your physician to give you a complete list of the drugs that you are not allowed to take during your treatment with this medicine. However, it is recommended that you ask your doctor’s approval before you start taking any other drugs during your treatment with this drug even if they are simple cough or cold drugs, minerals, herbal products or vitamins.