Diseases
hepatitis b
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For most people, hepatitis B is short term, also called acute, and lasts less than six months. But for others, the infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months.
Symptoms
- abdominal pain
- fever
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- dark urine
Causes
- sexual contact.
- sharing of needles.
- accidental needle sticks
Risk factors
- have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners
- share needles during iv drug use
- are a man who has sex with other men
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- liver ultrasound.
- liver biopsy
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is hepatitis b?
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For most people, hepatitis B is short term, also called acute, and lasts less than six months. But for others, the infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis b?
abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, dark urine
What causes hepatitis b?
sexual contact.; sharing of needles.; accidental needle sticks
Which medicines are used for hepatitis b?
adefovir, entecavir, hepatitis b immune globulin, interferon alfa 2b, lamivudine, peginterferon alfa 2a, telbivudine, tenofovir alafenamide, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
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