chronic hepatitis B

[hingmary]

tag :Liver cirrhosis
I've got hepatitis B since 1985 ,any symtom to appear ,HBsAg positive, HBc IGm ,IGg positive ,others tests not at all( normal levels). I don't care about it, 2008 march i've got test blood detail as under : transaminases SGPT 39 ui/l SGOT 34 ui/l HBsAg positive ,DNA/HBV/PCR: 10.300 copies/ml . I got lamivudine 100 mg /day vitamine E 4oo ui /day, orange juice everyday 50 cc/day ,and others fruits,2 months later my blood test  showed DNA/HBV/PCR negative (<200 copies ),checked regularly every 3 months untill now still negative level. SGPT 75- 90 ui/ml constantly,never down a normal range,since 2008 March untill now. HBsAg negative level ,HBsAb negative level ,others test are normal levels .Is i got recovery from Hepatitis B ? why transaminases still up level normal ? Due to i got lamivudine 100mg make transaminases up level regularly ? I fear carcinoma (HCC)  eventually, i was not a drinker ,after recovery can i drink some alcoohol a little quantity about (once)15 ml whyski weekly ?, When i stop take lamivudine 100 mg ?

Thanks&Regards
Hing mary

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

once the lamivudine has been started it is difficult to discontinue it without changing it to another medication.  it is possible that you have developed resistance and may need to check a viral level and if (+) be switched to another medication.  Resistance is very common with lamivudine use. a CT scan or U/s should also be checked.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

if the DNA is (-) then i would not stop the medication

[hingmary]

I have consulted with hepatologist that whenever everyone checked the blood test HBV/DNA Negative after 6 months the patient should stop use lamivudine 100mg/day but regularly checked every 3 months.

Now should I stop take lamivudine?

[hingmary]

Thank you for your reply.
I understood what you explained me about it. Should I check blood test on HBV/DNA/PCR or HBsAg (Quantity) ? If resistance of lamivudine, what name of the drug will be changed?
- If the HBsAb become Positive level, my liver working well or not?
- What drugs can't I use? (Avoid hepatotoxic) when I got diarrhea - Headache or fever.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

you can use most drugs with your liver--you must check with your local doc when a new one is started or proposed.  if there islamivudine resistance adefovir or tenofovir can be used. you should check a HBV-DNA.