Do I Really Need Hepatitis B Medication? Understanding Treatment Options
Questions about hepatitis B medication? Hello, I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B during a health check at the age of 18. Five months ago, at a nearby clinic, the doctor informed me that I qualified for hepatitis B medication under the national health insurance, so I sta...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If ultrasound indicates severe liver cirrhosis/fibrosis, please discuss with your physician.[Read More] Do I Really Need Hepatitis B Medication? Understanding Treatment Options
Effects of Antacids on Liver Health in Hepatitis B Patients
I would like to inquire about the effects of gastric medications and acetaminophen on the liver? Hello, doctor: I am a patient with hepatitis B. Due to severe bloating, I went to the hospital for an examination and found that I have acute hepatitis, which resulted in my GPT level...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It can be continued. Additionally, acute hepatitis can cause indigestion, nausea, and vomiting, so a light diet with small, frequent meals is necessary. Prompt medication treatment for hepatitis should be initiated, and if jaundice is significant, hospitalization is required.[Read More] Effects of Antacids on Liver Health in Hepatitis B Patients
Managing Stomach Discomfort After Taking Hepatitis B Medication
The issue of feeling uncomfortable after taking the hepatitis B medication Hepcludex? Hello, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B and early-stage cirrhosis a few years ago. My doctor prescribed the latest hepatitis B medication, Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), for me. However...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
An endoscopy can be performed to rule out gastric diseases. If discomfort persists, consider switching medications.[Read More] Managing Stomach Discomfort After Taking Hepatitis B Medication
Should You Continue Hepatitis B Treatment After Developing Antibodies?
If you have developed antibodies after taking Huilei (Rituximab), do you still need to pay out of pocket for it? Hello, yesterday I asked a question. Four years ago, I had an acute hepatitis outbreak and started taking Hepatitis B medication. In January of this year, my E antigen...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
After transitioning from a negative to a positive state, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet for an additional year to consolidate the results.[Read More] Should You Continue Hepatitis B Treatment After Developing Antibodies?
Increased Hair Loss in Hepatitis B Patients: Causes and Concerns
Patients with hepatitis B experience a noticeable increase in hair loss? Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you! My father is 63 years old and is a hepatitis B patient. He underwent gallbladder removal surgery five years ago and is currently taking Baraclude (entecavir) t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There have been no reports of this side effect yet.[Read More] Increased Hair Loss in Hepatitis B Patients: Causes and Concerns
Should I Consider Paying for Hepatitis B Medication?
Do I need to actively pay for medication out of pocket? I took the antiviral medication Entecavir (0.5 mg) covered by the National Health Insurance for three years, from April 2015 to April 2018. During the treatment period, both my viral load and liver function showed significan...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The health insurance regulations for hepatitis B in Taiwan comply with world standard guidelines, so there is no need to worry about temporarily stopping medication. The key point is that regular monitoring is necessary (which can be time-consuming for working individuals) to det...[Read More] Should I Consider Paying for Hepatitis B Medication?
Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests
I take Hepatitis B medication? Dr. Chen, I have been taking hypertension medication for ten years. Other clinics have prescribed me with Hepatitis B medication, which helps reduce my thirst. I need to go to Chang Gung Hospital in a few days to check for Hepatitis B and C, and the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Weininggan contains liver-protective ingredients (which can counteract oxidative stress from free radicals) and vitamins. Pharmacologically, it can improve liver function, but there is no direct evidence of its effectiveness for thirst. Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests
Can You Breastfeed While Taking Hepatitis B Medication?
Can I breastfeed while taking Sibutramine? Dear Doctor: I have been taking ETV (Entecavir) for over a year, and my e-antigen has turned negative. I am currently pregnant and continuing treatment. Is it safe to breastfeed? Are there any clinical cases of breastfeeding while on thi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Continuing antiviral medication during pregnancy and monitoring viral load is also a preventive measure. 2. The baby should receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. 3. Mothers with hepatitis B can breastfeed. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Can You Breastfeed While Taking Hepatitis B Medication?
Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Acute Hepatitis B or Chronic Hepatitis B? Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I hope you can provide me with some advice. Last month, I went to the hospital for an examination due to stomach discomfort. The doctor ordered blood tests (first test on 5/13) whic...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the clinical course and blood test follow-up, the likelihood of acute hepatitis B is the highest, and it seems that the patient has completely recovered from this acute hepatitis B episode, with the disappearance of surface antigens and the production of surface a...[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Can Hepatitis B Medications Heptavir and Tenofovir Be Taken Together?
Can Huileitong be taken in combination with Ganshin? Hello Dr. Chen: I have heard that the antiviral oral medication "Hepcludex" should not be taken in combination with "Tenofovir" and should also not be used with Truvada or Atripla. My doctor has prescribed m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Su, it is indeed uncommon to use both Harvoni and Daclatasvir together, unless there is prior research on the viral RNA resistance mutation points. Generally, Harvoni alone is sufficient. The rate of disappearance of the E antigen is inherently slow. Please continue you...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Medications Heptavir and Tenofovir Be Taken Together?
Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Insights and Concerns
Belantamab mafodotin has developed resistance? 1. The doctor mentioned there are two methods: one is to add liver function support, or switch to the latest hepatitis B medication (entecavir, brand name: Viread). 2. I would like to ask, since I have been taking medication since 2...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The biggest challenge in the treatment of hepatitis B is drug resistance. So far, Tenofovir and Entecavir are considered to have low resistance rates. In the case of Entecavir, there has been no evidence of drug resistance in the five-year studies conducted to date. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: 22 Years as a Carrier and Treatment Insights
Hepatitis B carrier for 22 years? The patient has been a carrier of hepatitis B for 22 years. Five years ago, liver function tests showed a level of 1600. After taking liver protective medication for one and a half years, liver function and tumor markers are currently normal. An ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if the condition is fully controlled, the viral load is undetectable. It is currently recommended to continue using Hepatitis B medication. If there are signs of liver function abnormalities or if the viral load increases instead of decreasing, it may i...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: 22 Years as a Carrier and Treatment Insights
Understanding Liver Nodules: When to Worry About Cancer Risk
Liver nodule measuring 1.2 cm? My husband started experiencing hepatitis B inflammation in 2002 (at the age of 36), with significantly elevated ALT and AST levels. He was hospitalized three times in 2003 due to persistently high levels. At the end of 2003, he began taking Hepatit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Sorry for the late reply! 1. Roughness indicates fibrosis; if necessary, a liver biopsy can be performed for assessment. 2. Viral treatment requires a long-term commitment, ideally over three years, and may need to be extended to new therapies if necessary. If medica...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: When to Worry About Cancer Risk
Should I Take Liver An Neng and Liver Shi Neng Together or Choose Beileke?
Is it better to take Hepanone and Hepanorm together, or should I take Belek? Hello Doctor, I apologize for writing you so many letters. Previously, my e-antigen was over 300, and I took Tenofovir for more than a year, during which my e-antigen turned negative. After taking it for...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Some studies have confirmed that taking both together can reduce the likelihood of developing drug resistance in liver function. However, as you mentioned, cost is a significant consideration. When you referred to medications from mainland China, what specifically were you...[Read More] Should I Take Liver An Neng and Liver Shi Neng Together or Choose Beileke?
Managing Coexisting Hepatitis B and Ulcerative Colitis: Treatment and Dietary Guidance
What are the treatment and management options for hepatitis B and ulcerative colitis? I am simultaneously suffering from two diseases. In 1999, I had my first episode of ulcerative colitis, which recurred at the end of 2001. Both episodes improved with treatment. At the end of 20...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello SHL: Although there is no direct correlation, corticosteroids used for treatment can affect the onset of hepatitis viruses. Could you consult with a physician experienced in colitis on how to use medications that will not impact hepatitis B, while also managing hepatitis B ...[Read More] Managing Coexisting Hepatitis B and Ulcerative Colitis: Treatment and Dietary Guidance
Managing Elevated HBV Levels After 1.5 Years of Liver Treatment
Liver An Neng Treatment (Forwarded from the Director's Mailbox) After 1 year and 6 months of treatment with Hepatitis B medication, the results show that GOT and GPT levels are normal, but the HBV DNA test indicates a level of 350,000. What should be the next steps in manage...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Generally, Hepatitis B antiviral therapy should be continued until the e-antibody is positive and HBV DNA is undetectable for at least an additional 6 months. Therefore, in your case, you should continue taking the antiviral medication. Sincerely, Dr. Yuan Hong-Dao, Intern...[Read More] Managing Elevated HBV Levels After 1.5 Years of Liver Treatment
Managing Drug Resistance in Hepatitis Treatment: What You Need to Know
What should be done if liver disease develops drug resistance? Hello... Six months ago, my ALT and AST levels were over 500. The e-antigen was positive with a viral load of 1380. After taking HepaGam for three months, my ALT and AST levels returned to normal, and the viral load d...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, generally, taking Hepatitis B medication (such as Entecavir) for one year can lead to the disappearance of the e-antigen, with a 20% chance of developing e-antibodies. If e-antibodies are produced, you will need to continue taking the medication for another six months. The...[Read More] Managing Drug Resistance in Hepatitis Treatment: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Relapse Risks, and Medication Access
Could you please provide more details about the liver issues? 1. I am currently taking Hepatitis B medication, and my doctor mentioned that I would need to take it for about two years. However, due to military service, it is difficult for me to pick up my medication on time. What...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
The relapse rate after recovery from hepatitis B treatment is approximately 35%. It is advisable to avoid excessive fatigue and alcohol consumption.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Relapse Risks, and Medication Access
Understanding Bloating and Nausea: Is It Liver or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Bloating and nausea? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing abdominal bloating, often accompanied by nausea. After eating, I frequently feel the urge to burp, or I feel like vomiting. In the mornings and before bed, when my stomach is empty, I experience dry heaving. I am a carr...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, your symptoms of abdominal bloating and nausea are likely not related to liver issues. In addition to medication, I recommend increasing physical activity to enhance gastrointestinal motility and focusing on a lighter diet to help reduce bloating and nausea. Furthermore, l...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Nausea: Is It Liver or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Is It Necessary to Continue Taking Hepatitis B Medication After Recovery?
Is it suitable to take Gan An Neng? Hello Doctor: A year ago, I tested negative for Hepatitis B during a health check-up. On February 14 of this year, I ate seafood and consumed raw oysters (I do not drink alcohol and was not taking any medications at that time; my lifestyle was ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyun! 1. Your latest tests show that your liver enzyme levels are normal, so there is no need for you to take Danazol. However, it would be best to have your medical history for reference. Additionally, we suspect you may have acute hepatitis? It is possible that you ...[Read More] Is It Necessary to Continue Taking Hepatitis B Medication After Recovery?