The administration of hepatitis drugs must be adjusted to the type of hepatitis experienced by the patient. Besides aiming to fight the virus, the use of drugs is also useful in preventing liver damage.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver cells which is generally caused by a virus. There are five types of hepatitis, namely hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. However, the sequence A to E does not indicate the severity of the disease.
Hepatitis A and E are classified as acute hepatitis, which means the disease can be cured in a short time. While hepatitis B, C, and D are classified as chronic hepatitis. The process of developing chronic hepatitis takes a long time so that it requires ongoing treatment.
Variety of Hepatitis Drugs Based on Hepatitis Type
Each type of hepatitis has different treatment and handling. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy hepatitis drugs yourself without consulting your doctor first.
1. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a type of hepatitis that is classified as mild and the symptoms can heal in a short time. Liver cells can heal completely within 6 months without any permanent damage. However, patients are required to rest at home so that the healing process is faster and does not transmit the virus to others.
Medicines for hepatitis A will be adjusted according to the symptoms. If the patient has a fever, the doctor will give fever-reducing drugs, such as paracetamol. If the patient is nauseous, anti-nausea drugs will be given, such as: metoclopramide. If the patient is dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, fluid infusion is required to treat it.
2. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B infection is divided into two types, namely acute and chronic hepatitis B. Symptoms of acute hepatitis B last only a short time. However, after recovery, the virus persists in the body and can cause complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life.
Not all people with chronic hepatitis B require special treatment. However, the patient must regularly check with the doctor to undergo liver function checks and the amount of virus. Patients with hepatitis B require antiviral drugs if liver function begins to decline and the amount of virus is high.
Antiviral drugs work by fighting and slowing the ability of viruses to damage the liver. Examples of commonly used antivirals for hepatitis B are: adefovir, entecavir, lamivudine, and telbivudine.
3. Hepatitis C
In the early stages of hepatitis C virus infection, patients do not have to be treated immediately. Supposedly, the virus can be fought with a good immune system. However, viral levels should still be monitored for several months. If your immune system is weak and the hepatitis C virus persists, your doctor will prescribe medication to help your body fight the virus.
Drugs that are safe and effective for hepatitis C tellers include:
- Sofosbuvir
- Simeprevir
- Ribarvin
- Ledispavir
- Velpatasvir
Sometimes a combination of two drugs is also used to achieve optimal results.
4. HD hepatitis
Hepatitis D disease is rare, but is considered the most dangerous compared to other types of hepatitis. However, the hepatitis D virus can only cause severe liver damage when it coexists with hepatitis B virus infection.
Until now, there is no effective treatment for hepatitis D. However, the use of interferon-alpha is recommended for this disease. Injections of interferon drugs in patients are carried out 1-3 times per week and can last for 12 months.
5. Hepatitis E
Like hepatitis A, hepatitis E can also be cured in a fairly short time without special treatment. Hepatitis E patients will be advised to get more rest, drink lots of water, and get adequate nutrition during the recovery period.
Antiviral hepatitis drugs are usually only given to people with chronic hepatitis, such as hepatitis B, C and D. However, all hepatitis sufferers of any type must adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as eating nutritious foods and avoiding alcohol consumption.
The use of hepatitis drugs indiscriminately and without a doctor's prescription is not recommended. Likewise with herbal hepatitis drugs. Apart from having no proven efficacy, these drugs can cause dangerous side effects.
Therefore, if you experience symptoms of hepatitis, such as nausea, vomiting, tea-colored urine, or yellow skin and eyes, you should consult a doctor.
