AEGiS-ATDN: B and C Sides: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are big problems for people with HIV.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

B and C Sides: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are big problems for people with HIV.

Information Bulletin #16 - August 2002

If you have both HIV and Hepatitis B, there is some very good news. Tenofovir (Viread), the new HIV drug approved last year by the FDA as a once a day pill to treat HIV, has been shown to be an effective treatment for HBV. Researchers went back and looked at the original studies that lead to the approval of Viread. They were able to identify 12 individuals who were also HBV infected. What they found was that their HBV viral load dropped 4 logs (10,000 fold) while taking tenofovir as a part of their HIV treatment. Liver enzyme levels returned to normal for two people, and one person was able to get rid of HBV altogether. The results lasted through the 48-week trial.

Although this is a small group of people, these are very promising results. Given the fact that HBV viral load can increase when your immune system responds to HIV, treating HIV and HBV together makes sense. Since no new medications are needed and thereby lessening potential toxicities, people with HIV/HBV co-infection should discuss this one-stone-two-birds approach with their medical provider.

Treating hepatitis in people with HIV is difficult, but in certain cases may lead to elimination of the virus. Peg-Intron and PegaSys, two new versions of pegylated interferon appear to be as effective at treating hepatitis C in HIV- and HIV+ individuals. There are very big differences, however, in how well these drugs are tolerated, how long they may need to be taken, the potential side effects, interactions with other anti-HIV drugs, and in many other areas that lead us to make this plea. Get tested for hepatitis A, B and C, if you haven't been already. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

If you are positive for hepatitis C, contact The Network for more information about hepatitis. We have a special Case Management Program set up for people who are both HIV+, and HIV and HCV+. We can also help you with HBV co-infection. Call The Network at (800) 734-7104 for more information. Our case management programs for HIV, and for people with HIV and hepatitis C are free, no insurance required.

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