Drugs for Hepatitis B
Comprehensive overview of drugs used in the treatment of Hepatitis B
Drugs for Hepatitis B are medications used to treat Hepatitis B, a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to both acute and chronic disease. The primary goal of treatment is to suppress the replication of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and prevent the progression of liver disease.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Hepatitis B is a significant global health problem, with millions of people worldwide living with chronic infection. The disease can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment is particularly important for those with active viral replication and liver inflammation.
Antiviral Medications[edit | edit source]
Several antiviral drugs are approved for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B. These medications work by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing viral load and liver damage.
Nucleos(t)ide Analogues[edit | edit source]
Nucleos(t)ide analogues are the most commonly used drugs for Hepatitis B. They are oral medications that inhibit the HBV DNA polymerase enzyme, which is essential for viral replication.
- Entecavir: A potent antiviral drug with a high barrier to resistance. It is often used as a first-line treatment.
- Tenofovir: Available in two forms, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Both are effective in suppressing HBV and have a good safety profile.
- Lamivudine: One of the first drugs used for Hepatitis B, but its use is limited due to the development of resistance.
- Adefovir dipivoxil: Less potent than other options and associated with nephrotoxicity at higher doses.
- Telbivudine: More effective than lamivudine but also associated with resistance.
Interferons[edit | edit source]
Interferons are proteins that modulate the immune response. They are used less frequently due to their side effects and the need for subcutaneous administration.
- Pegylated interferon alfa-2a: Administered once weekly, it can lead to sustained virological response in some patients. It is more effective in patients with high ALT levels and low HBV DNA levels.
Treatment Considerations[edit | edit source]
The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the patient's age, liver function, HBV genotype, and the presence of other medical conditions. Regular monitoring of liver function tests and HBV DNA levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of therapy and detect any drug resistance.
Emerging Therapies[edit | edit source]
Research is ongoing to develop new therapies that can achieve a functional cure for Hepatitis B. These include:
- Capsid assembly modulators
- RNA interference therapies
- Therapeutic vaccines
Also see[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD