Hepatitis A

Normally, the body is able to fight off the hepatitis A virus. This disease does not therefore require special medical treatment, but rest and a good diet are indicated. Symptoms disappear after 4 to 6 weeks.

Hepatitis B

In the vast majority of cases (95%), hepatitis B virus infection resolves spontaneously and no pharmacological treatment is necessary. The recommendations are then the same as for hepatitis A: repos et Healthy eating.

When the infection persists beyond 6 months, it means that the body cannot eliminate the virus. He then needs help. In this case, several drugs can be used.

Interferon alpha et long-acting interferon. Interferon is a substance naturally produced by the human body; it is known to interfere with the reproduction of a virus after infection. It works by increasing the body’s immune activity against the hepatitis B virus. These medicines should be given by injection every day (interferon alpha) or once a week (long-acting interferon) for 4 months.

Antivirals (telbivudine, entecavir, adefovir, lamivudine) work directly against the hepatitis B virus. Clinical studies have shown that they may help control the course of the disease by suppressing reproduction of the virus in the liver of most of treated patients. They are taken orally, once a day. They are usually well tolerated.

Hepatitis C

The most well-known drugs to treat this condition are long-acting interferon in combination with ribavirin. They usually clear the virus in 24 to 48 weeks, and they are effective 30% to 50% of cases, according to the World Health Organization.⁴.

Toxic hepatitis

In the case of medicinal hepatitis, stopping the taking of the drugs in question is an obligation: their reintroduction can be extremely serious. Exposure to the toxic product in question should also be avoided, if any. Usually, these measures allow the patient to regain health within a few weeks.

In case of aggravation

In the most serious cases and if possible, a partial ablation or a transplantation liver.