Medicine For Hepatitis B
Ursodeoxycholic Acid 150 mg
Rohitak (Tecomella Undulata) 70mg, Sharp...
Rohitak (Tecoma Undulate) 20mg, Sharpunk...
Medication for Hepatitis B is mainly used to treat long-term (chronic) infections. These medicines work by slowing down or stopping the virus from multiplying, which helps protect the liver from damage. The two most commonly used medications are Entecavir and Tenofovir.
Both of these drugs are taken by mouth and help stop the virus from growing in the body. This helps reduce the risk of serious liver problems.
Entecavir is a strong antiviral medicine that is mainly used for treating chronic hepatitis B infections. It works by blocking an enzyme called HBV DNA polymerase, which the virus needs to reproduce.
Tenofovir is a type of drug called a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It stops the virus from converting its genetic material (RNA) into DNA, which is an important step for the virus to multiply. This helps to control the infection and prevent liver disease from getting worse.
Always take these medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop the medication without medical advice.
What is medication for Hepatitis B used for?
Medication for Hepatitis B is mainly used to control chronic infections, slow down the progression of liver damage, and reduce the occurrence of cirrhosis and liver damage.
Benefits of Hepatitis B medication:
- Reduces viral load: Prevents viral replication and decreases its growth.
- Reduced risk of liver damage: Prevents progression of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver failure.
- Improves liver function: Normalizes liver enzyme levels and supports its function.
- Slows disease progression: Controls the virus to prevent worsening of chronic hepatitis B.
- Safe for long-term use: Most antiviral medications like Entecavir and Tenofovir are safer when used for a long time.
- Immune control: It can increase mild immunity by stopping viral growth and prevent the chances of re-infection.
When should I take hepatitis B medication?
You can take Hepatitis B medication if increased virus load, liver enzymes, or signs of liver damage, such as cirrhosis. Regular use of medicine at the same time is advisable to maintain normal levels in the body.
How to take hepatitis B medication?
Take the medicine with or without food or as prescribed by the doctor.
How does hepatitis B medication work?
Suppresses replication of the hepatitis B virus, reduces viral growth and inflammation, improves liver function, and decreases the risk of liver complications such as liver failure and cirrhosis.
What to avoid?
- Avoid Alcohol: Restrict alcohol use as it can cause liver damage.
- On using unprescribed medications: OTC medication only manages the mild symptomatic relief from Hepatitis B, but does not completely cure it. Hence, prescription medicine is advised for complete treatment.
- Unprescribed medications or supplements: Some can stress or harm the liver.
- Missing doses: Skipping medication can lead to resistance.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Consult your physician before taking hepatitis B medicine during pregnancy.
List of Generic Medicine for Hepatitis B
Generic medications cannot treat Hepatitis B, but manage the symptoms and support liver function.
| Medicine Name | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen (Tablets, caplets, liquid) (325 mg, 500 mg) | Used as an analgesic and antipyretic, relieves pain and fever |
| Ibuprofen (Tablets, caplets, liquid) 200 mg | Reduces pain and fever |
| Silymarin (Capsules, softgels, liquid) 150–300 mg | Herbal supplement supports toxin removal and improves liver function |
| Vitamin E soft gel capsules (100–400 IU) | Used as an antioxidant, protects the liver cells from oxidative damage |
| B-complex Vitamins (Tablets, capsules) (B1 50 mg, B6 50 mg) | Supports liver detoxification and energy production |
| N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (Capsules, powder, effervescent) (600–1200 mg) | Liver detoxification, improves liver functioning |
Note: These do not cure hepatitis B but help manage symptoms.
List of Zeelab Medicine for Hepatitis B in India
| Medicine Name | Composition | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Heptasil Tablet | Silymarin 140 mg | Used as an antioxidant, protects against liver damage, helps in liver cell regeneration, aids in detoxification, and improves liver function |
| NatureXprt Adeliv Syrup | Rohitak, Sharpunkha, Kalmegh, Apamarg, Aragvadha, Kasni, Daruhaldi, Haridra, Harar, Bhringraj, Kutki, Kumari, Giloy, Yavakshar, Sudh Nausadar, and Shudh Shilajit | Hepatoprotective, prevents liver damage, and improves digestion |
| Livcholic 150 Tablet | Ursodeoxycholic Acid 150 mg | Treats chronic liver disease, hepatitis B, eliminates the virus from the body, reduces liver enzyme levels, improves liver function, is anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, reduces inflammation, and prevents liver damage |
| ZEELAB Adeliv Liver Cleanse Detox Capsule | Kalmegh, Giloy, and Haridra | Used as an antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune booster, treats viral infections like hepatitis, reduces stress, prevents liver damage, decreases inflammation, improves immunity, and prevents reinfection |
General method used to treat Hepatitis B:
Acute Hepatitis B:
- Rest: Reduces fatigue, energizes the body, and improves overall health, which supports the body in fighting viral infections.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking sufficient amounts of water, herbal teas, and fruit-infused water helps the liver function efficiently.
- Balanced Diet: Includes antioxidant-rich fruits like citrus and leafy green vegetables such as spinach, whole grains such as rice and oats, a lean protein-rich diet such as meat and fish, and healthy fats such as omega-3 to improve digestion and liver function. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and processed foods to prevent liver damage.
Chronic Hepatitis B:
- Antiviral Medications: Oral antivirals like Entecavir and Tenofovir can be recommended to lower the viral load and minimize liver injury.
- Monitoring and Management: Regular monitoring of Hepatitis B symptoms is necessary under the close supervision of an expert medical practitioner, as it impacts the efficacy of the medicine and the treatment outcomes.
- Liver Transplant: It is necessary in advanced cases of liver damage due to chronic hepatitis B.
- Long-Term Treatment: In cases of chronic Hepatitis B, long-term treatment with antiviral medicines is recommended to control the symptoms.
- Proper vaccination: Complete vaccination to prevent Hepatitis B viral infection is needed in all uninfected individuals, especially infants and high-risk adults.
Herbal medicines used in Hepatitis B treatment:
| Medicine Name | Composition | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Phyllanthus niruri | Lignans, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids | Antiviral medication inhibits HBV DNA polymerase, lowers viral load, and protects liver cells |
| Milk Thistle | Silymarin | Liver regeneration, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and maintains the stability of hepatocyte membranes |
| Licorice Root | Glycyrrhizin, flavonoids | Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and decreases liver enzyme levels |
| Andrographis paniculata | Andrographolide, diterpenoids | Antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |
| Turmeric | Curcumin | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, helps reduce liver damage and inflammation |
| Punarnava | Punarnavine, rotenoids | Diuretic, hepatoprotective, improves liver function, antioxidant |
| Kutki | Kutkin | Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and improves liver function |
Use only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
When to see a Doctor?
- If you experience the symptoms of hepatitis B, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and joint pain.
- If Hepatitis B medicines are not effective, go to the doctor and take the appropriate treatment.
- If you are sensitive to some of the ingredients, then consult a doctor and take the right treatment approach.
- If you have been exposed to hepatitis B due to unprotected sex, take the vaccine and immunoglobulin treatment, which reduces the risk of developing chronic infections.
Summary:
Hepatitis B is typically managed with medications such as Entecavir and Tenofovir, which inhibit or stop the virus's replication and prevent liver damage, and relieve short-term symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, joint pain, and liver inflammation. Natural herbs like Milk Thistle, Licorice Root, Kutki, and Punarnava contain active constituents like Silymarin, Glycyrrhizin, Kutkin, and Punarnavine, possessing antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, which decrease viral load, reduce stress, protect the liver from damage, reduce inflammation, and increase immunity, which prevents re-infection. These properties make these effective treatments for Hepatitis B. Rest, balanced diet, staying hydrated, symptom monitoring, short-term and long-term management by antiviral medications, liver transplant, and proper vaccination are the general methods used for treating Hepatitis B. Zeelab medicines, such as Heptasil Tablet, NatureXprt Adeliv Syrup, Livcholic 150 Tablet, and ZEELAB Adeliv Liver Cleanse Detox Capsule, are the best medicines for the symptomatic management of Hepatitis B.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is hepatitis B?
A: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver, leading to both acute and chronic health issues. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Q: Is there a cure for hepatitis B?
A: Currently, there is no definitive cure for chronic hepatitis B, but there are treatments that can control the virus and lower the chances of liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Q: What medications are used to treat hepatitis B?
A: The antiviral medicines such as Tenofovir, Entecavir, and Lamivudine are commonly prescribed for hepatitis B infection.
Q: Is medication necessary if I have hepatitis B?
A: Not everyone needs treatment. Doctors assess liver function, viral load, and liver damage before deciding. Some people are monitored without immediate treatment.
Q: For how long should I continue taking hepatitis B medication?
A: Most individuals with chronic hepatitis B need to take medication for an extended period, sometimes for their entire lives, to keep the virus under control. Your doctor will provide guidance based on your liver condition and treatment response.
Q: Can hepatitis B medication eliminate the virus?
A: No, Hepatitis B treatment does not fully eliminate the virus from the body; it can live in the body and is not detectable in blood tests.
Q: Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
A: No, stopping without your doctor’s advice can cause a viral flare-up and liver damage. Always consult your doctor.
Q: Is it safe to take hepatitis B medication during pregnancy?
A: Yes, certain antiviral medications are considered safe and are often recommended to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Always take the physician's advice before taking any medicine, as it can harm the developing baby.
Added!