Information about Entecavir - HBV

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Information about Entecavir - HBV

What Is Entecavir:

Entecavir is an antiviral drug for treating chronic hepatitis B. It's sold under the brand name Baraclude by Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Company.

Other Names for Entecavir:

There are no generic drugs available.

Effectiveness:

Yes, studies show that patients who take entecavir for chronic hepatitis B have significant reduction in their HBV DNA levels. It seems that treatment with entecavir can reduce these levels better than adefovir or lamivudine, but about the same as telbivudine or tenofovir.

How to Take Entecavir:

Baraclude is available as a tablet (either 0.5 mg or 1 mg) or an orange-flavored solution that you drink. A standard dose is 0.5 mg once daily for one year. The dose is doubled for people who have persistent hepatitis viremia (the presence of virus in the blood) while taking lamivudine or have lamivudine resistance. It's recommended to take entecavir on an empty stomach, two hours before or after a meal.

Cost:

One year of treatment with entecavir can easily cost around $9,600. However, drug costs vary considerably based on many factors, such as whether you have health insurance, where you live and which pharmacy you use.

Side Effects of Entecavir:

Possible side effects are headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleeplessness, rash, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, it's important to know that if you stop taking entecavir before the end of your treatment, your hepatitis might get worse.

Who Should Not Take Entecavir:

Anyone who is allergic to entecavir shouldn't take this drug. Also, it's important to know your HIV status because taking entecavir can significantly complicate treating HIV. Don't start entecavir if you have untreated or unrecognized HIV infection without seeing an infectious disease specialist.

Sources:

Source:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Viral Hepatitis Therapies. Accessed February 22, 2010.

http://hepatitis.about.com/od/treatment/p/Entecavir.htm