HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Tested Positive For Hepatitis B, Taking Lamivudine, Had Viral Load Test. Can I Ask A Doctor Online?

Hello, I m a 38years old lady tested positive for hepatitis B last April 2012 and has been taking Lamivudine since then but when I went for viral load test last month,the result was hepatitis viral load 688, HBeAg: Negative and HBeAb: positive. can I continue using the drug?. or I should stop? . my email is YYYY@YYYY . Thank you
Wed, 24 Apr 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Patients with negative HBeAg and positive HBeAb are considered as inactive carriers for HBsAg. It is recommended that you should be monitored every 6-12 months with tests for SGPT/ALT. Further work up is required for persistently elevated liver enzymes. This is recommended as in almost 30% of these patients reactivation of HBV may occur even after a prolonged period.
Your viral load is low and if your liver enzyme level are normal then you may need to stop Lamivudine. Before stopping the drug you should consult your doctor.
Hope it helps.
Take Care!
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Cardiologist,  Dr. Anantharamakrishnan's  Response
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

The drug has been effective and the viral load has been reduced...

The drug should never be started / altered / or stopped without Hepatologist's advice.
You need follow up for fear of recrudescence...the liver function has to be tested for several months even after stopping...

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Hepatitis c


Loading Online Doctors....
Tested Positive For Hepatitis B, Taking Lamivudine, Had Viral Load Test. Can I Ask A Doctor Online?

Hello, Thanks for posting your query. Patients with negative HBeAg and positive HBeAb are considered as inactive carriers for HBsAg. It is recommended that you should be monitored every 6-12 months with tests for SGPT/ALT. Further work up is required for persistently elevated liver enzymes. This is recommended as in almost 30% of these patients reactivation of HBV may occur even after a prolonged period. Your viral load is low and if your liver enzyme level are normal then you may need to stop Lamivudine. Before stopping the drug you should consult your doctor. Hope it helps. Take Care!