For Families & Patients Prevention and Treatment

FAST FACT

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults who are at high risk for infection, including Asian Americans.

Hepatitis B Treatments

The future looks bright for individuals living with chronic hepatitis B. Only a decade ago there were no treatment options. Although there is still no complete cure for hepatitis B, there are treatment options available for both adults and children and many promising new drugs in development. Current treatments seem to be most effective in those who show signs of active liver disease.

Not every person with chronic hepatitis B needs to be on medication. You should talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for drug therapy or a clinical trial. Be sure that you understand the benefits and risks of each treatment option.

Whether you decide to start treatment or not, it is very important to be seen on a regular basis by a liver specialist or doctor knowledgeable about hepatitis B. Your hepatitis B virus level and the activity of your liver disease can change over time. Regular monitoring will keep your doctor informed about your condition and help ensure that you receive treatment when it is necessary.

Approved Hepatitis B Drugs in the United States

  • Interferon-alpha (Intron A) is given by injection several times a week for six months to a year. The drug can cause side effects such as flu-like symptoms, depression, and headaches. Approved in 1991 and available for both children and adults.
  • Pegylated Interferon (Pegasys) is given by injection once a week usually for six months to a year. The drug can cause side effects such as flu-like symptoms, depression and other mental health problems. Approved May 2005 and available only for adults.
  • Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, or Heptodin) is a pill that is taken once a day, with almost no side effects, for at least one year or longer. A primary concern is the possible development of hepatitis B virus resistance during and after treatment. Approved in 1998 and available for both children and adults.
  • Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera) is a pill taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. The primary concern is that kidney problems can occur while taking the drug. Approved September 2002 and available only for adults. Pediatric clinical trials are being planned.
  • Entecavir (Baraclude) is a pill taken once a day, with almost no side effects, for at least one year. It is considered to be the most potent oral antiviral drug for chronic hepatitis B to date. Approved April 2005 and available only for adults. Pediatric clinical trials may be planned for the future.
  • Telbivudine (Tyzeka) is a pill taken once a day, with almost no side effects, for at least one year. It is associated with a fairly high rate of drug resistance and is ineffective in patients who have lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B.

Although the FDA has approved these six drugs for chronic hepatitis B, they do not provide a complete cure, except in rare cases (a "cure" generally means that a person loses the hepatitis B virus and develops protective surface antibodies).

The drugs, however, significantly decrease the risk of liver damage from the hepatitis B virus by slowing down or stopping the virus from reproducing. As with HIV, it appears that combination therapy will probably be the most effective method of combating chronic hepatitis B infections.

Source: Hepatitis B Foundation