This leaflet is for patients starting on treatment for Hepatitis B infection. It is to provide an overview of treatment and important information.
About Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause liver inflammation and damage. Some patients (particularly those that become infected as adults) will have a self-resolving illness that is completely cleared by the immune system, whilst others (particularly those infected as a baby/child) develop long term infection.
How is hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B can be spread either from mother to baby or person to person. Maternal treatment and vaccination of babies after childbirth are effective in limiting mother to baby transmission and for this reason all women in the UK are tested for hepatitis B in early pregnancy. Hepatitis B can be spread from person to person by contact with blood and other bodily fluids. This may be by having unprotected sex with an infected person, or by contact with infected blood such as sharing contaminated needles and needlestick injuries.
How is hepatitis B treated?
Treatment is aimed at either prevention by immunisation or treatment after infection. Treatment includes anti-viral medications such as Tenofovir or Entecavir. The exact treatment used is individually determined.
Medication
Your nurse specialist or doctor will inform you which medication is best for you to take along with the dose and any special instructions.
You should aim to:
- Never run out of medication
- Not miss doses.
If you miss/forget a dose longer than 12 hours, continue the following day as normal.
If you run out please speak to the nurse specialist and request medication through your normal route.
Side effects:
Generally treatment is safe and well tolerated.
Side effects from Entecavir or Tenofovir include: headache, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, stomach upsets and difficulties sleeping.
Blood tests will need to be taken regularly to monitor your liver and kidney function along with the response of the virus; your nurse specialist will discuss this with you.
Medication Supply:
You will be given an initial supply at the Hospital. You will then either
- Continue with supplies from the hospital team
- Switch to obtaining through your GP
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Should you wish to plan a pregnancy on Hepatitis B medication this should be discussed carefully with your doctor first. This is so we can provide the right monitoring and treatment. If you are taking Entecavir it is likely that this treatment will be switched to an alternative. Your midwife should also be aware so they can ensure your baby receives the right care.
Babies born to mothers with HBV infection in the UK should also receive a course of HBV vaccination. In some situations they also receive a one-off dose of antibody therapy (‘immunoglobulin’) to reduce the risk of transmission further.
Breastfeeding:
You can safely continue antiviral therapy treatment whilst breastfeeding.
Contact Details
Patient Phone Line
Specialist Nurse Email
Further Information
Please speak to the team if you require an interpreter or further assistance with the information provided in this leaflet.