What medications are used for antiviral treatment of hepatitis B?
May 23, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Tansheng
Introduction
Currently, there are six oral antiviral agents approved for the treatment of hepatitis B: lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, telbivudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). As of 2018, all six oral antiviral drugs have been approved for marketing in China. Moreover, generic versions of four of these—lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, and TDF—are domestically manufactured; only telbivudine and TAF remain without domestic generic alternatives.
Currently, there are six oral antiviral medications approved for the treatment of hepatitis B: lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, telbivudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). As of 2018, all six oral antiviral agents have been approved for marketing in China.
Moreover, generic versions of four of these six drugs—excluding telbivudine and tenofovir alafenamide—are now manufactured domestically. Since long-term oral administration is required to achieve effective antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B, treatment adherence is essential.
The prices of these six medications vary significantly, and even for the same drug, substantial price differences exist between domestically produced and imported versions. Therefore, when selecting a treatment regimen, patients must consult qualified healthcare institutions and experienced hepatology specialists, and choose an appropriate oral antiviral therapy based on their individual clinical condition and financial circumstances.
