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Approved
HBV Drugs
The future looks bright for individuals living with chronic hepatitis
B. There are 7 FDA approved drugs for adults, 2 approved drugs for
children and many promising new drugs in development.
The approved drugs all appear to reduce or stop hepatitis B viral
replication, which may also reduce the risk of progression
to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Although none of the
approved drugs appear to provide a complete cure (except in rare
cases), they still offer a lot of hope to those living with
chronic hepatiits B.
Approved Hepatitis B Treatments
- Interferon Alpha (Intron A) is given by injection several times a week for six months to a year, or sometimes longer. The drug can cause side effects such as flu-like symptoms, depression, and headaches. Approved 1991 and available for both children and adults.
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- Pegylated Interferon (Pegasys) is given by injection once a week usually for six months to a year. The drug can cause side effects such as flu-like symptoms and depression. Approved May 2005 and available only for adults.
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- Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, or Heptodin) is a pill that is taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. Approved 1998 and available for both children and adults.
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- Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera) is a pill taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. Approved September 2002 for adults. Pediatric clinical trials are in progress.
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- Entecavir (Baraclude) is a pill taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. Approved April 2005 for adults. Pediatric clinical trials are in progress.
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- Telbivudine (Tyzeka, Sebivo) is a pill taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. Approved October 2006 for adults.
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- Tenofovir (Viread) is a pill taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. Approved August 2008 for adults.
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Goal of Hepatitis B Treatment
The current goal of hepatitis B treatment is to halt disease progression
by suppressing hepatitis B viral replication. A sustained virologic
suppression will, hopefully, reduce the amount of hepatic inflammation,
thereby, decreasing the risk of progression to cirrhosis, liver
failure, and/or liver cancer.
Evaluation of Treatment
Treatment responses are generally evaluated on the basis of normalization
of ALT levels, clearance of HBe-antigen, and decreased or undetectable
HBV DNA. If a liver biopsy is performed, histologic findings should
show a decrease in liver inflammation, possibly, even reversal of
damage if compared to pre-treatment biopsy results.
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