What Is Baraclude? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Baraclude Is an Antiviral Medication Used to Treat Chronic Hepatitis B

Baraclude (Entecavir) is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and children aged 2 and older.

If you've been prescribed Baraclude — or you're trying to understand what it is before talking to your doctor — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it's for, how to take it, who shouldn't use it, and how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Baraclude?

Here are the basics:

• Brand name: Baraclude
• Generic name: Entecavir
• Drug class: Nucleoside analogue antiviral (HBV nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor)
• Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb (E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.)
• FDA approved: Yes, for chronic hepatitis B in adults and children 2 years and older
• Controlled substance: No — Baraclude is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes — generic Entecavir has been available since 2014

Baraclude belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogues. These medications work by interfering with the hepatitis B virus's ability to replicate. For a detailed explanation, see our article on how Baraclude works.

What Is Baraclude Used For?

Baraclude is FDA-approved for:

• Chronic hepatitis B in adults — Patients with evidence of active viral replication and either persistently elevated liver enzymes (ALT or AST) or histologically active liver disease.
• Chronic hepatitis B in children — Children aged 2 years and older meeting the same criteria as adults.

Doctors may also prescribe Baraclude off-label for:

• HBV prophylaxis in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy
• Prevention of HBV reactivation in organ transplant recipients

Baraclude does not cure hepatitis B. It suppresses the virus to reduce liver damage and lower the risk of complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Most patients need to take it long-term.

How Is Baraclude Taken?

Baraclude comes in two forms:

• Film-coated tablets: 0.5 mg and 1 mg
• Oral solution: 0.05 mg/mL (typically used for children or patients who can't swallow tablets)

Dosing

• Treatment-naive adults: 0.5 mg once daily
• Lamivudine-refractory or decompensated liver disease: 1 mg once daily
• Children (2 years and older): Weight-based dosing using tablets or oral solution

Important Instructions

• Take on an empty stomach — at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before your next meal. Food significantly reduces absorption.
• Swallow tablets whole with water.
• If using the oral solution, use the dosing spoon provided with the medication.
• Do not stop taking Baraclude without talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause severe hepatitis B flare-ups.

Kidney Dose Adjustments

If you have kidney problems (creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min), your doctor will lower your dose. Patients on hemodialysis should take their dose after dialysis.

Who Should Not Take Baraclude?

Baraclude is not right for everyone. You should not take it if:

• You are allergic to Entecavir or any ingredient in the formulation.
• You have HIV and hepatitis B co-infection but are not on HIV antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Taking Baraclude without HAART can cause HIV resistance to certain medications.

Talk to your doctor before starting Baraclude if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (Pregnancy Category C)
• Are breastfeeding (not recommended)
• Have kidney disease
• Have had previous treatment with Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) — you may need a higher dose

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. Serious but rare side effects include lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis. For a complete breakdown, read our guide on Baraclude side effects.

How Much Does Baraclude Cost?

The cost of Baraclude varies dramatically depending on whether you use brand or generic, and whether you have insurance or a discount coupon:

• Brand Baraclude (cash price): $1,500 to $2,000 per month
• Generic Entecavir (retail, no coupon): Approximately $1,100 to $1,200 per month
• Generic Entecavir (with discount coupon): As low as $12 to $14 per month with SingleCare or GoodRx Gold

That's not a typo — discount coupons can bring the cost of generic Entecavir from over $1,100 down to under $15 per month. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Baraclude.

Insurance Coverage

Most commercial insurance and Medicare Part D plans cover Entecavir. It may be classified as a specialty medication and could require:

• Prior authorization with documented HBV diagnosis and lab values
• Step therapy (try generic Entecavir before brand Baraclude)

Patient Assistance

Bristol-Myers Squibb offers the BMS Access Support program with co-pay assistance for commercially insured patients. The BMS Patient Assistance Foundation (bmspaf.org) provides free medication to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients.

Final Thoughts

Baraclude (Entecavir) is a well-established, effective treatment for chronic hepatitis B. It's been on the market for years, has a strong safety track record, and is available as an affordable generic. The key is taking it correctly — on an empty stomach, every day, and never stopping abruptly.

If you need help finding Baraclude or generic Entecavir at a pharmacy near you, visit Medfinder to check stock and compare prices.