Who Should Be Treated

The decision of whether to start treatment (or enroll in a clinical trial) should be based on careful evaluation of your physical exam, blood tests, and liver biopsy (if one is done). Be sure you see a liver specialist (hepatologist) for the most current information about hepatitis B therapies.

Studies show that the current treatments appear to be of greatest benefit to those who show signs of active liver disease:

• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT)
• Positive blood tests for: 
            Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg)
            Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)
• Elevated levels of hepatitis B DNA

Some doctors may order a liver biopsy (this involves taking a small sample of your liver to examine under the microscope) to help decide whether treatment is needed, but this practice is not as common as it used to be.

It is always a good idea to get a second opinion before starting any treatment.

Read more about Treatment Options.

 

HBF Drug Watch

With promising new compounds in development for hepatitis B, there is great hope that a cure will be found in the near future. Visit the HBF Drug Watch for a complete list of approved hepatitis B drugs and compounds in development, as well as our list of Hepatitis B Clinical Trials.

Download Our Information Sheet:

Hepatitis B Treatment

• AASLD Practice Guidelines
• U.S. Treatment Algorithm
• EASL International Consensus Conference on Hepatitis B
• NIH Recommendations
  for Hepatitis B
• A Physician's Guide to Hepatitis B

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