Hepatitis B "Big Three Positive" – Is Treatment Necessary?
When it comes to the question of whether Hepatitis B "Big Three Positive" requires treatment, the answer depends on the results of additional medical tests. In most cases, patients with the "Big Three Positive" status will test positive for HBV DNA. If this is accompanied by abnormal liver function or signs of liver cirrhosis, antiviral treatment becomes essential.
Antiviral treatment can be divided into two main categories:
The first option involves interferon injections. Long-acting interferon is typically administered once a week, while short-acting interferon, which is produced domestically, is injected every two days. The treatment duration usually lasts between one to two years. Although this method has a success rate of about 70%-80%, it can be inconvenient due to frequent injections and may cause side effects. However, one advantage is that the treatment period is fixed, and medication can be stopped after two years.
The second option is oral nucleoside analogs, which are currently the most widely used treatments. The primary medications in this category are Entecavir and Tenofovir. These drugs are taken once daily, with one pill per dose. However, unlike interferon therapy, the course of treatment is not fixed and often requires long-term use.
Choosing the right treatment plan should always be done under the guidance of a specialist, based on individual health conditions and viral activity. Regular monitoring of liver function and viral load is crucial for managing Hepatitis B effectively.