How is hepatitis B treated?
Treatment of a hepatitis B infection depends on how active the virus is. It also depends on whether you are at risk for liver damage such as cirrhosis.
Treatment of short-term (acute) hepatitis B
If you haven't had a hepatitis B vaccine and think you may have been exposed to the virus, you should get a shot of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG). You should also get the first of three shots of the hepatitis B vaccine. Make sure to get this treatment within 7 days after a needle stick and within 2 weeks after sexual contact that may have exposed you to the virus.
In some cases, you may get medicine to treat an acute infection. But this usually isn't done unless you are very sick.
Treatment of long-term (chronic) hepatitis B
Antiviral medicines are used to stop or slow the growth of the hepatitis B virus and help prevent more serious liver damage. Whether your doctor will suggest treatment depends on how active the virus is and whether your liver is inflamed or damaged.
You may have choices about which medicine to take. The medicines differ in how long you need to take them and in what side effects you might have. Your doctor can help you choose.