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Emtriva vs. Baraclude

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Emtricitabine (Emtriva) and entecavir (Baraclude) are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) used to treat viral infections, but they target different viruses. Emtricitabine is primarily used for HIV treatment, while entecavir is used for hepatitis B. Emtricitabine is available as a capsule and oral solution, and is taken once daily, with or without food. Entecavir is available as a tablet and liquid solution, and must be taken on an empty stomach. Both medications are available in a generic form. Common side effects of emtricitabine include nausea and fatigue, while entecavir may cause headache and dizziness. Both medications require dose adjustments for kidney problems, but entecavir is not recommended for people with both hepatitis B and untreated HIV due to potential drug resistance.

Emtricitabine

(Emtriva)

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Entecavir

(Baraclude)

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Summary for Emtriva

Prescription only

Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment and prevention of HIV. It is one of the most common HIV ARVs used around the world.

Indications for Emtriva

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Emtriva

Pros

  • Very effective against HIV, with few side effects
  • Taken only once a day with or without food
  • Available in many combination tablets with other HIV ARVs
  • Available as a capsule and oral solution
  • Can be used in pregnancy and in children right after they are born

Cons

  • Dose must be adjusted if you have kidney problems
  • Must be used in combination with other HIV ARVs
  • The oral solution is absorbed less than the capsule, so the dose is higher
  • Some people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have worsening of the liver after stopping emtricitabine (Emtriva)
  • Requires regular labs to make sure the medication is working against HIV and to check your kidney and liver

Common Side Effects for Emtriva

  • Changes in labs (30%)
  • Nausea (9%)
  • Fatigue (9%)
  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Flu/cold (8%)
  • Runny nose (8%)
  • Rash (7%)

Warnings for Emtriva

  • WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
  • LIVER PROBLEMS

Summary for Baraclude

Prescription only

Entecavir (Baraclude) is a first-choice antiviral medication used for the treatment of hepatitis B. Some side effects of the medication can include headache and fatigue. Entecavir (Baraclude) is available as a tablet and a liquid solution that are typically taken once daily. While both forms of the medication have a brand name, only the tablet has a generic version available as well.

Indications for Baraclude

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Pros and Cons for Baraclude

Pros

  • First-choice medication for hepatitis B
  • Generally mild side effects
  • Not known to have a risk of kidney damage like other hepatitis B medications (e.g., tenofovir (Viread))
  • Can use in children as young as 2 years old
  • Available as a liquid solution for young children and people who have a hard time swallowing tablets

Cons

  • Not a cure for hepatitis B
  • Must take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before your next meal)
  • Requires dose adjustments for people with kidney problems
  • Not the best option for people who’ve taken lamivudine (Epivir HBV) in the past because of possible viral resistance
  • Not a first-choice option for people with both hepatitis B and HIV

Common Side Effects for Baraclude

Warnings for Baraclude

  • Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping treatment
  • Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection
  • Lactic acidosis and liver problems

Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Baraclude

Price Card Drug Icon
Emtricitabine30 capsules / 200mg
$152.24$572.93
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Price Card Drug Icon
Entecavir30 tablets / 0.5mg
$20.29$1,004.93
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