Hepatitis B, sometimes called hep B, is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus and spreads by contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that most adult cases of acute hepatitis B resolve without becoming chronic but children present a higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B. While no treatment currently exists for the acute form of the virus, several treatments options are available for chronic hep B.
Interferon
Physicians commonly prescribe interferon to treat hepatitis B. It is a protein with anti-viral properties, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Interferon is typically administered as an injection into the fat layer under the skin or into the muscle either daily or three times a week for a course of at least 16 weeks. Pegylated interferon, a formulation of interferon, has an added chemical that causes it to last longer, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, pegylated interferon is administered once a week for 16 weeks or longer. Common side effects of interferon products include loss of appetite, nausea, skin dryness, itching, rash, confusion, dizziness and a flu-like syndrome.
Entecavir
Entecavir treats chronic hepatitis B, as either a tablet or an oral solution which patients typically take once a day for a period determined by the physician. The "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide" lists common side effects of entecavir as nausea, headache, excessive tiredness and dizziness.
Adefovir Dipivoxil
Adefovir dipivoxil is also indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is taken once a day as an oral tablet. Common side effects of this medicine include a loss of strength and an elevation of liver enzymes, which can indicate stress on the liver.
Telbivudine
Telbivudine is another oral medication used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, which patients must typically take once a day. According to Drugs.com, common side effects include stomach pain, insomnia, headache, back pain, joint pain, cough, stomach upset, dizziness and fatigue.
Lamivudine
Lamivudine, also called 3TC, is an oral preparation indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Usually patients take this medication once a day. Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of strength, headache, cough, stuffy nose and a reduction in a type of white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infection.
Liver Transplant
Chronic hepatitis B can cause liver failure. Some people with this condition are candidates for a liver transplant. Recipients of a liver transplant must take medication to avoid rejecting the liver and to avoid a return of the virus.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Hepatitis B
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hepatitis B FAQ's for Health Professionals
- Drugs.com: Telbivudine Side Effects
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
