Approved Drugs for Adults

The future looks bright for individuals living with chronic hepatitis B. Only a decade ago there were no treatment options. Although there is still no complete cure for hepatitis B, there are 6 approved drugs for adults (2 for children) and many promising new drugs in development. Current treatments seem to be most effective in those who show signs of active liver disease

Not every person with chronic hepatitis B needs to be on medication. You should talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for drug therapy or a clinical trial. Be sure that you understand the pros and cons of each treatment option.

Whether you decide to start treatment or not, it is very important to be seen by a liver specialist or doctor knowledgeable about hepatitis B on a regular basis.

Approved Hepatitis B Drugs in the United States

Interferon-alpha (Intron A) is given by injection several times a week for six months to a year, or sometimes longer. The drug can cause side effects such as flu-like symptoms, depression, and headaches. Approved in 1991 and available for both children and adults.
Pegylated Interferon (Pegasys) is given by injection once a week usually for six months to a year. The drug can cause side effects such as flu-like symptoms, depression and other mental health problems. Approved May 2005 for adults.
Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, or Heptodin) is a pill that is taken once a day, with almost no side effects, for at least one year or longer. The possible development of hepatitis B virus mutants during and after treatment is a concern. Approved in 1998 and available for both children and adults.
Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera) is a pill taken once a day, with few side effects, for at least one year or longer. Kidney problems can occur while taking the drug and is a concern, but are reversible once the drug is stopped. Approved September 2002 for adults. Pediatric clinical trials are being planned.
Entecavir (Baraclude) is a pill taken once a day, with almost no side effects for up to one year. It is considered to be the most potent oral antiviral drug for chronic hepatitis B to date. Approved April 2005 for adults. Pediatric clinical trials may be planned for the future.
Telbivudine (Tyzeka, Sebivo) is a pill taken once a day, with almost no side effects for up to one year. Studies have shown that it rapidly and profoundly suppresses HBV levels. Approved October 2006 for adults.

Although the FDA has approved these six drugs for chronic hepatitis B, they do not provide a complete cure, except in rare cases (a "cure" generally means that a person loses the hepatitis B virus and develops protective surface antibodies).

The drugs, however, significantly decrease the risk of liver damage from the hepatitis B virus by slowing down or stopping the virus from reproducing. As with HIV, it appears that combination therapy will probably be the most effective method of combating chronic hepatitis B infections.

Cost Comparison of Hepatitis B Drug Therapy
What does it cost for the different approved HBV drug therapies? See the cost comparison of the approved therapies. Read Full Article.

HBF Drug Watch

With promising new compounds in development for hepatitis B, there is great hope that a cure will be found in the near future.

Visit the HBF Drug Watch for a complete list of approved hepatitis B drugs and compounds in development, as well as ourlist of Hepatitis B Clinical Trials.