How to take BARACLUDE

Making the most of chronic hepatitis B therapy

BARACLUDE^® (entecavir) is a chronic hepatitis B therapy that you take once a day by mouth, as a tablet (pill) or liquid. The directions below can help you make the most of treatment with BARACLUDE. Your doctor should always be your main source of information about your health and this chronic hepatitis B therapy.

When taking BARACLUDE for chronic hepatitis B therapy:

• Only take the exact dosage that has been prescribed for you by your doctor. The liquid comes with a spoon to help you measure the dose. If you are taking the BARACLUDE tablet, take it as a whole. Do not split the BARACLUDE tablet.
• Take BARACLUDE once a day on an empty stomach-at least 2 hours after your last meal and at least 2 hours before your next one.
• Try to take BARACLUDE at the same time every day. Taking your medicine every day is an important step in reducing your viral load (the amount of the hepatitis B virus in your blood) and keeping it low. The lower the amount of the hepatitis B virus in your body, the more likely it is that the condition of your liver can improve.
• Do not double dose. If you forget to take BARACLUDE, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at the regular time. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at the same time. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
• Remain under your doctor's care. If you have questions about your chronic hepatitis B therapy or are feeling ill, call your doctor right away. If you have any changes in your health or medicines, talk to your doctor.
• Do not run out of BARACLUDE. Make sure to fill your prescription regularly.
• Do not stop taking BARACLUDE without talking to your doctor first. Stopping BARACLUDE may make your hepatitis B infection worse. You will need to be monitored closely when you stop taking BARACLUDE.
• If you take more than the prescribed dose of BARACLUDE, call your doctor right away.