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. 2011 Dec;10(4):235-243.
doi: 10.1007/s11901-011-0109-z. Epub 2011 Aug 9.

Current Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis B: Efficacy and Safety

Yuk-Fai Lam  1 , Man-Fung Yuen, Wai-Kay Seto, Ching-Lung Lai
Affiliations

Current Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis B: Efficacy and Safety

Yuk-Fai Lam et al. Curr Hepat Rep. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

The treatment of chronic hepatitis B is in constant evolution. Interferon, the first agent licensed for chronic hepatitis B treatment, has been superseded by the growing popularity of nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NA). However, resistance to these agents is a major challenge. Newer NAs, such as entecavir and tenofovir dipivoxil fumarate, have very low resistance rates and favorable safety profiles. Long-term use of these agents can effectively suppress hepatitis B virus DNA, leading to decrease in incidence of hepatitic flares, as well as in the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The efficacy and safety of various antiviral agents is discussed in this review.

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