Approved Hepatitis B Treatments
Although there is currently no cure for hepatitis B, there are medications that can slow down the virus and help prevent liver damage. Today there are 5 FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved drugs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Please be sure to discuss each treatment option with your doctor to find out if there are any side-effects and if that particular drug is right for you:
- Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, or Heptodin) - A pill taken once a day for at least one year or longer. It was approved in 1998 and is available for children and adults.
- Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera) - A pill taken once a day for at least one year or longer. It was approved in 2002 and is available for adults.
- Entecavir (Baraclude) - A pill taken once a day for up to a year or longer. This drug was recently FDA approved in April 2005.
- Interferon-alpha (Intron A) – Given by injection several times a week, for up to a year or longer. Interferons can boost your body’s own immune system. It is available for adults and children.
- Pegylated Interferon (Pegasys) - Given by injection once a week, for up to a year or longer.
The Hepatitis B Foundation offers additional treatment resources that can be useful for you and your doctor. Click on the links below to learn more:
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