Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ziagen vs. Baraclude

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

Key takeaways

Abacavir (Ziagen) and entecavir (Baraclude) are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) used to treat viral infections, but they target different viruses. Abacavir is used for HIV treatment, while entecavir is used for hepatitis B. Abacavir requires a genetic test before starting due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, whereas entecavir does not. Abacavir is available in both tablet and oral solution forms and can be taken with or without food, while entecavir is available as a tablet and liquid solution but must be taken on an empty stomach. Abacavir is available as a generic, while only the tablet form of entecavir has a generic version. Common side effects of abacavir include headache, nausea, fatigue and rash, while entecavir may cause headache, fatigue, dizziness and higher liver lab results. Abacavir has fewer drug interactions but requires caution in people with heart or severe liver problems, whereas entecavir requires dose adjustments for those with kidney issues.

  • Abacavir (Ziagen)
    Entecavir (Baraclude)
  • Abacavir (Ziagen)
    Entecavir (Baraclude)

  • Summary of Ziagen vs. Baraclude

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Abacavir (Ziagen) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV. It requires a genetic test before you start taking it because it can cause a severe allergic reaction.

    Summary for Antiviral
    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 of Ziagen vs. Baraclude

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

  • Pros and Cons of Ziagen vs. Baraclude

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •It's the only NRTI that can be used safely at the same dose in people with severe kidney problems
    •Available in many other HIV ARV combination tablets
    •Not many drug interactions
    •Can be used in children aged 3 months and older
    •Available as a tablet and oral solution
    Cons
    •Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal
    •Cannot be taken by anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to abacavir (Ziagen)
    •Not a good option for people with heart problems
    •Can't be used in people with severe liver problems
    •People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting abacavir (Ziagen)
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    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 of Ziagen vs. Baraclude

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Fatigue/tireness (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Muscle Pain (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Fatigue
    •Dizziness
    •Nausea
    •Higher liver lab results

  • Warnings of Ziagen vs. Baraclude

    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping treatment
    •Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection
    •Lactic acidosis and liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Ziagen vs. Baraclude

    Learn more about Abacavir
    Learn more about Entecavir

Compare other HIV Treatment and Hepatitis B drugs

Truvada vs ZiagenViread vs ZiagenZiagen vs BaracludeZiagen vs CombivirZiagen vs DescovyZiagen vs EpzicomZiagen vs GenvoyaZiagen vs StribildZiagen vs TivicayZiagen vs TriumeqZiagen vs TrizivirZiagen vs VemlidyZiagen vs VidexZiagen vs ZeritAtripla vs TruvadaDovato vs TruvadaEmtriva vs BaracludeEpzicom vs BaracludeEpzicom vs TruvadaOdefsey vs TruvadaTivicay vs EpivirTivicay vs GenvoyaTivicay vs StribildTriumeq vs BaracludeTriumeq vs TivicayTriumeq vs TruvadaTrizivir vs BaracludeVemlidy vs BaracludeVidex vs BaracludeViread vs Baraclude
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.