The objectives of treating chronic hepatitis infection is to control the level of inflammation in the liver and to prevent complications such as liver hardening and liver cancer from developing. I would like to stress that not all hepatitis B patients require treatment. However, those who need oral anti-viral treatment usually have to take the treatment for a long period of time.
At the moment, the only other option with a definitive treatment period is through an injectable form of medicine known as interferon. This is a powerful drug which affects the immune system in an attempt to exert control over the virus. There are many side effects associated with this treatment including body ache, fever, nausea, vomiting, inducing autoimmune diseases and depression. In extreme cases, the liver function may even deteriorate and the liver may fail to work. It is therefore only suitable for a highly selective group of patients under close observation by a liver specialist.
On a brighter note, the newer generation of oral anti-viral agents are much safer and have minimal side effects making them ideal in controlling hepatitis B and preventing complications. It is therefore no surprise that most specialists prefer this form of treatment over injections as their 1st line treatment option.
Regardless of the option one chooses, the most important point in managing hepatitis B is regular clinic reviews with relevant blood tests and scans. This will ensure the treatment remains effective and liver cancer, if any, are picked up earliest possible to achieve the best treatment outcome.
-Dr Quan
