Treatment for Hepatitis B

Different medications can be used to manage the virus. As with all prescription medicine, you should follow all instructions given by a doctor and take exactly as directed. If you have any questions about hepatitis B drugs please speak to a health care professional.

Entecavir

Entecevair is an oral drug taken to treat chronic hepatitis B infection and works by reducing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body. It can lower the ability of hepatitis B to multiply and infect new liver cells and improve the condition of your liver. It is funded as a first line therapy for those with hepatitis B. Almost all patients achieve viral suppression. Viral suppression means the virus has been controlled and is at very low (or even undetectable) levels in the blood, however the virus is still present and it does not mean you have been cured.

It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach. It should be taken around the same time every day. Do not miss any doses. Your hepatitis B virus can get worse if you stop taking medication. Follow the instructions from your pharmacist or doctor and take exactly as directed.

Entecavir may cause side effects. Some side effects can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness or nausea. Tell your doctor or a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Tenofovir

Tenofovir is another oral drug used to treat chronic hepatitis B and works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body by stopping virus growth. It is approved for treatment of HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B.

This drug is safe for people infected with hepatitis B who are pregnant. Tenofovir is taken for the last eight to 12 weeks of pregnancy (third trimester) and is usually stopped four to 12 weeks after the baby is born.

Tenofovir is usually taken once a day. It should be taken around the same time every day. Do not miss any doses. Your hepatitis B virus can get worse if you stop taking medication. Follow the instructions from your pharmacist or doctor and take exactly as directed.

Tenofovir may cause side effects. Some side effects can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness or nausea. Tell your doctor or a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Pegylated Interferon

Interferon is a protein made by the human immune system that stops viral reproduction. Pegylated interferon is a man-made version of this protein. It signals the immune system to recognise and respond to microorganisms, including viral and bacterial infections. Infected cells release interferon to trigger the immune response. Interferon alfa is used to treat viral hepatitis. This drug is usually injected under the skin weekly for up to 48 weeks.

Interferon can have a lot of side effects. This includes flu-like symptoms after each injection such as fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Other side effects include fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, low red or white blood cell count and depression. Tissue damage where the interferon is injected can also occur.