Chronic Hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B is hepatitis B virus infection lasting more than six months, often remaining silent while liver injury accumulates.
Epivir HBV
100mg
Lamivudine 100mg film-coated tablets, the hepatitis B strength, used in the management of chronic hepatitis B. It inhibits the viral reverse transcriptase.
Key points
- Normal symptoms do not show whether the virus is active; HBV DNA, liver enzymes and fibrosis assessment are needed.
- Antiviral treatment suppresses replication and lowers complications but usually does not eliminate all viral material.
- Liver-cancer surveillance may remain necessary even with good viral suppression, particularly in cirrhosis and other higher-risk groups.
The listings below do not determine whether treatment should start; virus activity, fibrosis, pregnancy and kidney health affect the decision.
Assessing phase and liver risk
Testing includes hepatitis B surface and e antigens, HBV DNA, liver enzymes and fibrosis evaluation. Other hepatitis viruses, alcohol and metabolic liver disease can add injury. Household and sexual contacts should be tested and vaccinated if susceptible; vaccination does not treat existing infection.
Antiviral and monitoring roles
Tenofovir or entecavir are common high-barrier oral options, chosen according to kidney, bone, pregnancy and prior-treatment factors. Monitoring checks viral suppression, liver tests and adverse effects. Stopping therapy can trigger severe reactivation and requires a specialist plan.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black stool, new confusion, severe drowsiness, rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, fainting or jaundice with fever or severe pain.