Hep Treatment

[jack1642]

I had my result today. VL 142 IU/ml a jump from 48 IU/ml. AST and ALT 79 and 76 respectively both readings are high. Doctor wants to put me on Lamivudine.
Considering 142 IU/ml being very low do you think it's o.k for such treatment?
If it is, would lamivudine be the first choice of treatment?
Are there side effects with this drug?
How long would i have to take this medication?
At this point in time i have suspended the intake af all herbal products just to clear my system.
Thanks guys

[jack1642]

I guess fatty food is the cause of ALT elevation. I said NO to alchol long ago. I will have to pay attention to what i eat , work-out a little more and see if the numbers will go down.

I have taken note of your suggestion to try interferon. I will discuss that with the doc. on my next appointment. Lamivudine like you said would be a last choice. I did some research and concluded that wouldn't be a wise choice.
Hope you're doing great?
It's always been a pleasure, having you guys around.
Thanks Zelly.

[zellyf]

jack...48 to 142 is not a jump.  Like cajim said, that could be a normal variance.  

Any other reason why the ALT would be high?  Advil? Tylenol?  Alcohol?  Fatty foods?

Lamivudine would be the LAST choice.  It is no longer considered a suitable first line treatment.  With a low viral load and high ALT you are a great candidate for interferon.

[jack1642]

Thanks Cajim, is there the need for treament at this stage? I thought treatment is considered when VL is very high and the aim is to achieve VL count as low as possible.

Achieving UND with medication wouldn't mean cure. There is the posibability of viral reactivation even in mega counts when treatment stops. Hope i am right?
I will surely discuss Baraclude with him.  

[cajim]

Hi, Jack1642.  Glad to hear from you.

Could your doctor put you on Baraclude, which is more potent than Lamivudine in terms of resistance?

>>>Considering 142 IU/ml being very low do you think it's o.k for such treatment?

VL 48 to 142 could be random variation.

>>>Are there side effects with this drug?

Minimal for Baraclude or Lamivudine,

>>>How long would i have to take this medication?

Depends on your liver status, could be for 2 years or for life.

Best.