Will hepatitis B surface antigen levels decrease after taking antiviral medication?

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels generally decrease with antiviral medication.

Elevated hepatitis B surface antigen levels above the reference range indicate infection with the hepatitis B virus. Under a doctor's guidance, taking antiviral medications can suppress replication of the hepatitis B virus, help clear the virus, and prevent further progression of hepatitis B. As antiviral treatment gradually eliminates the hepatitis B virus from the body, hepatitis B surface antigen levels typically decline accordingly.

Hepatitis B surface antigen testing helps screen for chronic hepatitis B, acute hepatitis B, and HBV-related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. When hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, antiviral drugs should not be taken without medical supervision; they must be taken according to the prescribed dosage and schedule as directed by a physician.