Hepatitis B medicine names and treatment

A clinician first establishes whether hepatitis B is active, how the liver is functioning and whether treatment is needed now. Some people need monitoring rather than immediate medicine, while others may need long-term antiviral treatment. The correct choice and dose also depend on kidney health, pregnancy plans and other medicines. Read the [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/) overview for background.

Symptoms such as [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) or [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) do not identify the right medicine. They warrant assessment because several liver and non-liver conditions can cause them.

Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed and do not stop it suddenly unless the prescriber tells you to. Do not borrow tablets, buy treatment online or add supplements without checking interactions. Keep laboratory appointments; a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) may be used with other tests to guide follow-up. [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) prevents infection in people who are not already infected but does not treat established infection.

Contact your prescriber promptly if you miss doses, develop a new rash, severe weakness, repeated vomiting or yellowing of the eyes. Seek urgent help for confusion, collapse, severe abdominal pain or difficulty staying awake. Tell every healthcare professional that you have hepatitis B and list all medicines.

Ask: Do I need treatment or monitoring? What is the medicine's purpose? What happens if I miss a dose? Which tests check response and safety?