Entecavir
Baraclude is the only entecavir product on this shelf, available as 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets for chronic hepatitis B in adults and children aged 2 and older.
Medicine containing Entecavir
Key points
- Entecavir is a nucleoside analogue antiviral that reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body.
- It carries a boxed warning for life-threatening liver damage and lactic acidosis, with higher risk in women, overweight individuals, and those on long-term HBV therapy.
- Stopping entecavir can cause hepatitis to worsen, especially in the first several months after discontinuation.
How does Entecavir work?
Entecavir mimics a building block the hepatitis B virus needs to copy itself. When the virus tries to replicate, entecavir gets incorporated into its genetic material and stops the chain from extending, so no new virus particles form. This reduces the amount of HBV in the body and may slow the liver damage that chronic Chronic Hepatitis B causes over time.
Entecavir is not processed by the liver’s main enzyme system, so interactions through that route are unlikely. It is cleared mainly by the kidneys, which means dose adjustments may be needed if kidney function is reduced. The medicine has not been shown to lower the risk of passing HBV to others, so precautions against transmission still apply. Baraclude is the only entecavir listed in the Hepatitis Treatment range.
Further reading
FAQ
In which products can I find entecavir?
On Direct Meds, entecavir comes as Baraclude. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does entecavir cost in South Africa?
Compare the price of each product, strength and pack above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription for entecavir in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order entecavir. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver entecavir to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Last updated