Hepatitis B: Your GoodRx Guide

Definition

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). When the hepatitis B virus enters the body, it attacks liver cells. 

The liver cells can become swollen and inflamed and may be unable to work properly. This is called an acute hepatitis B infection. Most adults recover from acute hepatitis B infections without any treatment. But in some cases, the immune system is not able to fight off the virus. In these cases, people develop chronic hepatitis B infection. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to liver failure and liver cancer. 

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Causes

People can get Hepatitis B when they get exposed to bodily fluids, like blood or semen, that contain the hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B infection can occur with:

• Accidental needlestick injuries 

• Needle- or syringe-sharing

• Exposure to contaminated razors or instruments used for tattooing, piercings, or acupuncture

• Unprotected sex with a person who has hepatitis B

• Childbirth (a person with hepatitis B can pass the virus to an unborn child)

Some people are more at risk of being exposed to the hepatitis B virus than others. People who are at higher risk include those who: 

• Work in healthcare

• Have multiple sexual partners

• Misuse IV (intravenous) drugs

• Need dialysis

• Have insulin-dependent diabetes

• Immigrate from or live in areas where hepatitis B is more common, including Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Eastern Europe

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Symptoms

Many people with hepatitis B never develop any symptoms. But hepatitis B can cause symptoms like:

• Nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Stomach or joint pain 

• Fatigue

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

• Dark urine

Symptoms may not appear at all or will take months to develop. So many people don’t realize they have the hepatitis B virus. Remember to seek medical care for hepatitis B before a more serious liver injury occurs.

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Diagnosis

To diagnose Hepatitis B, a healthcare provider can use a blood test to detect the hepatitis B virus or its antibodies. This blood test can tell if the virus is acute or chronic.

You may also need more blood tests that check your liver's overall health. 

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Medications

People who have chronic hepatitis B need treatment to prevent liver damage. Treatment can also lower the risk that you will pass the virus to others if they come in contact with your blood or other bodily fluids. 

This includes treatment with antiviral medications like:

• Entecavir (Baraclude) 

• Telbivudine (Tyzeka)

• Adefovir (Hepsera)

• Tenofovir (Viread) 

• Lamivudine (Epivir)

• Interferon alfa-2b (Intron) 

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Prevention

There is a safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine that can keep you from getting hepatitis B. 

Experts recommend that babies, children, and young adults receive the hepatitis B vaccine. They are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B. 

But the vaccine is approved for everyone under 60 years old. People older than 60 years old who aren’t vaccinated can get the vaccine. 

Other things you can do to avoid getting hepatitis B include:

• Don’t share needles, syringes, or razors with other people.

• Wear gloves if coming into contact with someone else’s blood or bodily fluids.

• Use condoms and practice safe sex.

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