Hepatitis B is an infectious disease, mainly caused by the HBV (hepatitis B virus) which involves in affecting the liver. It causes acute and also chronic infection. Initially, many people with this disease have no symptoms.
Treatment mainly depends on the severity. Chronic circumstances mainly require medications and sometimes a liver transplant. With the help of Medications (Antiviral drug) and Self-care (Avoid alcohol), Hepatitis B can be managed.
Some medications which are effective are elaborated as follows:
1. Antivirals (Nucleoside Analogues)
A) Entecavir (Baraclude):
The pills of this drug should be taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. Treating a patient with the help of this antiviral is considered as a first-line treatment with a pretty handy resistance profile. The medication was approved in 2005 for medical use.Entecavir (ETV), basically sold under the brand name Baraclude, is an antiviral medication used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In those patients who are with HIV/AIDS as well as HBV, antiretroviral drugs can be also used.
Entecavir basically belongs to the family of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) medications. It functions by preventing the hepatitis B virus from multiplying by blocking reverse transcriptase.
It is also effective in order to prevent the HBV reinfection after the liver transplant and in the treatment of HIV patients infected with HBV. It's efficacy has been studied in numerous randomized, double-blind, and multicentre trials. When Entecavir is administered by mouth, it is more effective and well-tolerated.
Side Effects:
The majority of people with entecavir have little to no side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Less common adverse effects include diarrhea, trouble sleeping, vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms such as sour stomach.
Dosage: Entecavir tablets mainly comes as the strength of:
- Entecavir 0.5 mg
- Entecavir 1 mg
Related:- Check what is the difference between Entecavir 0.5 mg and 1 mg
Entecavir should be given on an empty stomach at least a couple of hours prior or after the meal, generally, it should be taken at the same time every day. It is not recommended to use in those children who are less than 2 years of age. For people with decreased kidney function, dose adjustment can be recommended.
B) Tenofovir disoproxil (Viread):
This pill of this medication should be taken once a day. A few side effects may pop up due to the consumption of this ART. This ART is considered as a first-line treatment with a good resistance profile. The medication was approved in 2008 for medical use.C) Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy):
The pills of this drug are recommended to be taken once a day. A few side effects may appear due to the consumption of this antiviral. Vemlidy is considered as a first-line treatment with a good resistance profile. The medication was approved in 2016 for medical use.D) Telbivudine (Tyzeka or Sebivo):
The pills of this medication should be taken once a day, A few side effects may occur due the consumption of Telbivudine. This is considered a second-line treatment option. The medication was approved in 2006 for medical use.E) Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera):
The pills of this drug should be taken once a day. A few adverse effects may appear due to the consumption of Adefovir Dipivoxil. Treatment with this drug is generally considered a second-line treatment option. The patients are advised to monitor their kidney functions, regularly. The medication was approved in 2002 for medical use.F) Lamivudine (Epivir):
The pills of this medication (Lamivudine)should be taken once a day, The few side effects may occur in patients due the consumption of lamivudine. This is basically not used or less used in the U.S. because it is less potent than the newer drugs and most people develop drug resistance within a year or sometimes two. The medication was approved in 1998 for medical use.2. Immune Modulators (Interferons)
Pegylated Interferon (Pegasys):
This should be given by injection once a week usually for 6 months to 1 year. Pegylated Interferon may cause adverse/side effects such as depression and flu-like symptoms. The medication was approved in 2005 for medical use.Read:- Oseltamivir phosphate and its Administration
