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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

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Posted on Thu, 14 May 2015
Question: what is medicine for chronic hepatitis b. i have 3 kids what should i do, not to infect them?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There are treatments

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

there are treatments like interferon, tenofovir and entecavir and some second-line agents. These are not drugs you could take over the counter though. You should consult your doctor regarding treatment decisions. Laboratory testing is required prior to treatment of course.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (7 minutes later)
what kind of doctor should i consult?
is supplements like astragalus capsule helpful to me?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

you should consult a gastroenterologist or an infectious disease specialist. The supplements won't make any difference regarding chronic hepatitis B.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)
i was diagnosed 10 years ago when i gave birth to my eldest son... and up to now i dont feel any symptons, is that a good sign that my immune system is working well to fight the hepa b virus?
my children had vaccine for hepa b. are they secured that they wont be infected by me? i breast feed them? they are all CS section.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Many questions, please read on...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

it's good that you don't have any symptoms but it does not mean that your body has cleared the virus. Only tests can confirm or exclude that. Vaccinated children are probably well protected but an antibody measurement against the core antigen is needed to confirm vaccine effectiveness.

Breastfeeding is not supposed to transmit the virus. You should take care of your nipples though because bleeding is dangerous and may result in transmission.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (15 minutes later)
is there
any side affects of the treatment you mentioned aboved?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
there are a lot

Detailed Answer:
Interferon has a lot of side effect, like fever, Blood disorders (leukopenia etc), malaise, elevated transaminases, etc
Tenofovir's most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain etc
Entecavir is better tolerated usually. Common side effects include headachr, dizziness, weakness etc

There is no easy treatment and sometimes the initial choice may have to be modified.

Kind regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (15 hours later)
I am afraid of the treatment. Is there a chance that treatment worsen my situation?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Receiving the treatment is a good choice

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

if you have chronic hepatitis B then receiving the treatment is the only choice and it's not supposed to make things worse. Chronic hepatitis B may cause cirrhosis and cancer, so it's not just something that you can transmit to the others if you're not careful enough. It can be deadly. Your husband should be tested also, if he hasn't done so already.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 hours later)
How many months usually the treatment should be done?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it takes a long time

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
This treatment lasts for a long time. The shorter time can be from 4 months for interferon to many years. Sometimes relapses occur or resistance develops. This is not easy but this is all we've got right now.
Kind regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Brief Answer: There are treatments Detailed Answer: Hello, there are treatments like interferon, tenofovir and entecavir and some second-line agents. These are not drugs you could take over the counter though. You should consult your doctor regarding treatment decisions. Laboratory testing is required prior to treatment of course. Kind Regards!