Authors: Rezlie Bellatasie1, Wulan Panduwi Melasari1, Suharjono2*
1Master of Clinical Pharmacy, 2Department Of Clinical Pharmacy,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
Email: shj_ms_id@yahoo.com & rezliebellatasie@gmail.com
Abstract
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is one of the most common cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. According to WHO, 650,000 people die each year from the complications of chronic hepatitis B. The spectrum of clinical symptoms of the patient varies in the acute and chronic phases. Vaccination against hepatitis B is the only prevention against the virus. Management for chronic hepatitis B is still limited because there is no drug that can eradicate the bacteria completely. Therapy is indicated in patients with high viral loads in active hepatitis, which is supported by increased serum transaminase or the presence of histopathologic outcomes suggesting inflammation and fibrosis. There are two classes of drugs used to treat chronic hepatitis B, namely the group of direct acting nucleoside / nucleotide analogues (NA) and pegylated interferon alfa (PEG). The goal of therapy is to reduce and maintain the lowest possible HBV DNA concentrations that will later on smear on ALT normalization and histologic improvement.
