In some patients, monitoring symptoms and getting regular liver tests is appropriate.Treatment generally involves antiviral medications, such as:Antiviral medications can help to reduce symptoms and prevent liver damage. All rights reserved. Instead, your doctor might recommend rest, proper nutrition and plenty of fluids while your body fights the infection. You can reduce your risk of developing hepatitis B or spreading the virus to others by:If you don’t have access to clean needles, you can find a local needle exchange program using the North American Syringe Exchange Network’s If you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis B virus and haven’t been vaccinated, try to see a doctor right away. 3. In severe cases, antiviral drugs or a hospital stay is needed to prevent complications.Most people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection need treatment for the rest of their lives. But they rarely completely get rid of the hepatitis B virus. In 1998, “lamivudine” was approved as the first oral antiviral drug taken once a day. A simple blood test can also determine if you're immune to the condition. The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute of the Hepatitis B Foundation is at the forefront of … In this paper, we will discuss the basic characteristics of the virus of hepatitis B, course of infection, the safety of rituximab, tocilizumab, abatacept treatment and therapeutic recommendations in management of patients with rheumatic diseases. Liver ultrasound. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Treatment helps reduce the risk of liver disease and prevents you from passing the infection to others. In 1991, “interferon alpha” was the first drug approved for hepatitis B and given as a series of injections over 1 year. All rights reserved. To effectively address the global public health challenge posed by HBV, a curative treatment will need to complement better approaches to screening, follow-up care, and vaccination coverage. If you have chronic hepatitis B, you’ll likely need to follow up with a doctor every six months for a blood test to determine your viral load and liver health. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Based on your results, your doctor may alter your medication dosage. Tests that can help diagnose hepatitis B or its complications are: 1. They can administer the first dose of the vaccine, though you’ll need to follow up to receive the remaining doses over the next few months. Like acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B may not require medical treatment to avoid permanent liver damage. Hepatitis B can cause a range of symptoms, such as:While there’s no cure, there are several treatments that can help to manage hepatitis B symptoms. It can be fatal if it isn’t treated. Instead, the goal of treatment is to have the lowest viral load possible. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your doctor will examine you and look for signs of liver damage, such as yellowing skin or belly pain. Some people with severe chronic hepatitis B may eventually need a There’s no cure for hepatitis B, but the condition is easily preventable by taking a few precautions. If you’re at risk of being exposed to the virus, your best bet is to get the hepatitis B vaccine if you haven’t already. Hepatitis B is often spread through sexual contact, shared needles, and accidental needle sticks. Despite this, research into HBV is drastically underfunded, to the point that it was recently compared to a neglected tropical disease. Your doctor will examine you and look for signs of liver damage, such as yellowing skin or belly pain. Tests that can help diagnose hepatitis B or its complications are:Doctors sometimes test certain healthy people for hepatitis B infection because the virus can damage the liver before causing signs and symptoms.