Hepatitis B: treatment (antiviral therapy) Testing and treatment
Hepatitis Queensland
Reviewed: 10 October2013 , Valid to: October 2014
Yes, there is treatment (antiviral therapy) available for hepatitis B. However, there are many factors that impact on whether you will need to start treatment. It is very important that you see your doctor or liver specialist regularly for monitoring, usually every six months (see factsheet ‘Hepatitis B: monitoring’ for more information).
How does it work? Hepatitis B treatment (antiviral therapy) works to stop the virus replicating (making copies of itself) and to reduce the amount of virus that you have in your blood to the lowest possible level. When this happens, your immune system (which protects us from infections) is able to get stronger and kill off some of the virus. The lower the amount of virus in your blood, the less damage being done to your liver and less chance you may develop cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver cancer. The treatment aims to reduce the amount virus in your blood rather than remove it, so it is unlikely that treatment will cure your hepatitis B.
Why would I need treatment? There are a few reasons that you may need treatment for your hepatitis B. One reason is to reduce the amount of virus that you have in your body. Another is to decrease the progression of damage in your liver. Treatment may also decrease your chance of advanced liver disease and lower your risk of liver cancer. With these factors your likelihood of needing a liver transplant is also reduced. It is a big decision to
start treatment, one which your liver clinic nurse and specialist will help and support to you to make.
What medicines are used? There are currently two types of medications used for hepatitis B, pegylated interferon (injection) and antiviral medications (tablets). Pegylated interferon works to boost your body’s immune system to fight off hepatitis B. Pegylated interferon is injected once a week for 48 weeks. You will be taught how to inject yourself by your liver clinic nurse, so you can do this at home. Pegylated interferon works best when your ALTs are high and your viral load is not very high. You may see improvements in your liver function once you have stopped taking this medication. You may experience some side effects including flu-like symptoms (such as a fever or headache), fatigue (tiredness), muscle pain and mood swings. Images © istockphoto.com. Models used for illustrative purposes only.
Is there treatment available for hepatitis B?
The more commonly used antiviral medications in Australia are entecavir and tenofovir. These tablets work to slow down or stop the hepatitis B virus making copies of itself. Both entecavir and tenofovir are taken every day and generally once you start taking them you will most likely have to take them for the rest of your life. It is really important that you take this medication every day even when you start to feel better. If you stop taking your medication you may start to have problems with your liver or you may get sick.
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For more information contact Hepatitis Queensland
www.hepqld.asn.au or call the infoline 1800 648 491
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