Hepatitus B

[Hozefa]

I was diagnosed with Hepatitus B about three years back at a routine blood donation camp. My age is 26 yrs and I have not been taking any medicines or treatment.

Kindly suggest is there a treatment to get cured?

Also if there is no treatment to get rid of it what can I do to avoid future problems (liver cirrhosis)

[Bolly]

There is no cure but there is medication to suppress the virus, stop it replicating, and reduce the risk of serious liver damage or cancer.

In the Uk those with Hep B take an anti viral drug, either

1) Lamivudine

2) Entecavir

3) Tenofovir

The drug has to be taken every day for life. If you are not in the UK I can't comment on how much it would cost, as in the UK we get treatment via prescription on the NHS and don't pay the full cost of the drug.

I suggest you read the British Liver Trust guidance.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

If you are sexually active please use barrier contraception as the virus can be passed on. In the UK your close family can be vaccinated to protect them.

Hopefully in the years you have gone without treatment your liver has not become damaged, but without treatment it WILL. I was diagnosed with Hep B at your age and had no treatment. I now have cirrhosis and had liver cancer from the Hep B. Liver cancer has a very very poor prognosis. You have your whole life ahead of you, please get treated.

[Hozefa in reply to Bolly]

Thanks a lot for the reply. It would really be a help for me...

Also I m in India, I have to check with a Gastroenterologist here what drugs are available to supress the virus..

[liveronmymind]

My advice is to take Bolly's advice.

Could not be any clearer or well written

My husband recently lost the battle against HCC and decompensated cirrhosis all because he had Hepatis B without knowing he had it

Don't ignore it even if you feel young and healthy because it will slowly but surely attck the liver

It's recommended to have six monthly scans i think and also check the VIRAL load as your medication will depend on this

There is a possibility that you may have been in the acute stage when you donated blood and you may have even cleared the virus since then but you MUST go and get checked

(the liver doesnt like alcohol but loves brocoli and greens also coffee is good )

I wish you well -