When can I stop Baraclude treatment?

[qor]

I am female, 28 y.o. I have known being the carrier for about 10 years (probably since birth).
I first started treatment since Jan 08, due to very high load of DNA (almost 600m copies) and high AST, ALT (200, 600 respectively). Echographie abdominale shows Liver were functioning well (all following tests showed same result).
As prescribed by doctor, I have been using Baraclude since. After 6 months treatment (Jul 08), ALT, AST were back in normal range. Virus count dropped to less than 30K copies . Anti-Hbe tested Pos. I was told that the treatment objectives were achieved but advised to continue with the medicine to bring back DNA to lower level.
6 months later (1 year after treatment), my DNA test was done again and showed the undetectable level of the virus (<500copies/ml). I expected then the treatment might be able to stop. However I was advised to continue to taking the medicine being afraid that the resistance to the medicine might develop if I stop using. I have since continued the treatment and all follow-up check-up shows very good result.
Most recently, test in Dec 2009 shows AST 16.2, AKT 11.2. HbeAg Neg. Non-detectable virus count (<500copies/ml).
It looks like it is advisable for me to use Baraclude for life, which is although not too much a problem on the finance aspect, but is extremely inconvinient for other aspects of life. This is because I would like to use contraceptive pills for birth control but it is advisable that anyone taking treatment for Hep B shouldn't use pills.
My questions are therefore, in my case, when can I stop Baraclude? My second question followed, if I have to continue w the medicine, what are the options I can use for birth control (beside usage of condom everytime, which is not a prefered choice)?
Thank you very much for helping with my case.

[stef2011]

are you monitored lactate levels?lactic acidosis is a very very rare side effect only on decompensated cirrhosis but even if never happened on other it is best to monitor lactate levels

also kidney function should be monitored while on antivirals (creatinine, calcium ,phosphate)

[Engr_JDelacruz]

I am taking baraclude for 13 months and I don't have that reaction. I'm a believer of baraclude as it has good effect on me. But I combine it with some supplements.From 640 million copies per ml now down to undetectable range of HBV DNA. Hbeag from 1500 iu/ml now down to 5.0 iu/ml, hbsag now also down to 29 iu/ml.  I'm nearing seroconversion and my target is 1st quarter of 2013. We just need the proper medication, proper combination and self disciple eventually we can clear this virus. My mom is cleared she has it for 17 years and know she is hbeag and hbsag non reactive. If you can share you history, past and present laboratory results then we can have a better understanding of your health and how to remove the virus.

[Bandepart]

I started taking Baraclude 3 months ago due to high virus amount. I have not not seen the total. Also my ALT and AST levels are high. I felt off when starting my therapy and have gradually lost appetite, some aches and numbness in my legs. Has anyone else experienced these side effects?
After having read some very helpful stories, I need to ask my doctor about what genotype I belong to. I am chronic carrier of Hepatitis B.

Thankful for any response.

All the best to you!

[Engr_JDelacruz]

In 2007 she clear HBV DNA to undetectable taking Baraclude for two years
In Apr 2009 HBsag = 4402 , HBeag = non reactive, no medication
Dec 2009 HBsag = 3211, HBeag = non reactive, no medication
Apr 2010 her sgpt went up to 120, hbeag become reactive this is another relapse her third relapse, HBV DNA around 12 million. Doesn't want to take antiviral anymore. We go to naturaphatic doctor, medication is selenium and zinc and copper.
Jul 2010 sgpt went down to 80, Hbsag =1157, HBeag = 0.114 becomes non reactive again.
Sep 2010 Hbsag = 581
Year 2011 hbeag = non reactive. we only monitor hbeag and sgpt as long as this two is good there's no need for medication
Apr 2012 hbeag = 0.61 Non reactive, no medication
July 2012 we try the live stem cell capsules
Sep 2012 HBsag = 1.18 , hbeag non reactive
Nov 2012 HBsag = 0.67 non reactive, hbeag non reactive
We are coordinating this with the doctors and soon I'll be using this if i become non reactive to hbeag. I'll keep you posted. If you have questions you can message me. God Bless everyone.

[ggtm]

Congrats or ur mum! I think she may benefit from a hep b vaccination, but better let the experts advice you. May I ask what was her HBs and DNA levels before she started taking the deer placenta stem cell?

[Engr_JDelacruz]

We got my mom's result today.
HBsag w/ titer = 0.67 C.O.V. 1.00 Non Reactive
Anti-Hbs = 1.79 C.O.V. 10.00 Non Reactive
Finally hbsag eliminated after more than 10 years but Anti hbs still non- reactive. Can anybody here give me some advice if she can take vaccine for immunity. Thanks and God Bless us all.