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Support of Patients During Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B and C

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Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

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Abstract

Key Principles

The mainstay of treatment for the viral hepatitides are immunomodulators (interferons) and antiviral agents.

While many of these therapies are effective at suppressing and eliminating the virus, their use can be inhibited by the side effects that they cause. Treatment for chronic hepatitis B and C can therefore be complex and requires a strong therapeutic alliance between the patient and the health-care provider.

The standard of care for the treatment of hepatitis C is centered around combination therapy with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin. Prior to initiating treatment, it is crucial for the provider to screen the patient for contraindications to therapy and to outline potential medication-related side effects for the patient.

Hematologic side effects are common with interferon-based therapy and may require the use of growth factors. Other side effects experienced with hepatitis C therapy include psychiatric, ophthalmologic, endocrine, and dermatologic events.

There are now several approved oral agents used to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Unlike the treatment for hepatitis C, the treatment for hepatitis B can be indefinite, so recognition of a management strategy for side effects is paramount. Fortunately, most of these therapies appear safe and well tolerated.

The therapies for chronic hepatitis B and C have dramatically evolved over the last decade. Principal in treating patients for chronic hepatitis is choosing a regimen that is suitable for an individual patient, disclosing the expected and potential side effects, and early identification and management of adverse effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Pennsylvania, PA, Philadelphia, USA

    Alyson N. Fox & Thomas W. Faust

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  1. Alyson N. Fox
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hepatology, Georgetown University Hospital, Reservoir Road GUH 3800, Washington, 20007, U.S.A.

    Kirti Shetty

  2. University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington Ave. 236, Farmington, 06030-1845, U.S.A.

    George Y. Wu

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© 2009 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Fox, A.N., Faust, T.W. (2009). Support of Patients During Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B and C. In: Shetty, K., Wu, G. (eds) Chronic Viral Hepatitis. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-565-7_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-565-7_13

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-934115-81-7

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