DAAs found to reactivate HBV in current or prior hbv infectees

[dragonslayer]

FDA Warns Against Hepatitis B Reactivation In Some Patients Taking Direct-Acting Hepatitis C Antivirals


http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm522932.htm


Scary.

[Lynn K]

Saw that they are adding black box warnings to DAA's
So glad I was not co-infected with hep b but very concerning for those that are

[MommaT]

Hi Lynn and Dragonslayer,

I saw this come up-so do you agree -it is true. DAA can bring Hep B back. What does this say about compromised immunity in other areas? What will we do about it? Was I better off waiting even longer? I waited for a better Med but maybe DAA is not good for you.

It is a crap shoot-and Maybe they priced high for future lawsuits.

[Lynn K]

All this says from the FDA is that those who were co-infected with hep c and hep b whose hep b was inactive there is a risk their hep b could he activate.

This says nothing else about anything except the risk of hep b reactivation.

Personally I had to treat no matter what Harvoni has saved my life.

[Gaj]

I responded about this in another thread. Here is the link.

http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=4494.msg46077#msg46077


If you are in the small group with chronic/dormant/inactive HBV then you should discuss the slight risk vs benefit of HCV treatment with your doctor or specialist.

[Lynn K]

Just to add MommaT if you never had hep B this is not an issue for you

[MommaT]

Thank you Lynn-

So, you think i am okay?  I tested on labwork positive for Hep A -negative for Hep B then had Vaccine 2015. Before starting treatment the labwork shows again Positive Hep A but again negative to Hep B.

 I look back I had only 2 vaccine shots and maybe needed 3? I thought i needed the Hep B vaccine before treatment? I am so confused.

I think Hep B is serious to get so that is why I got the vaccine to begin with.
Thanks-Lynn you certainly help so many on this site!

[Lynn K]

You are fine as far as this new concern about hepatitis B reactivation.

I would ask your doctor about hepatitis B vaccination. I think I remember I had to do three shots for the series but in any event you never had hepatitis B so you can't reactivate what you never had.

[Pete]

Hello everyone - I've been dormant from the forum for awhile and just read this. 

I tested reactive for HBV core AB  years ago. A follow up test one month later indicated non-reactive for HBV AB.  My doctor at the time presumed the first result was a false positive.  I was never checked again for HBV. I dropped a note to my current doctor requesting an order for the HBV testing be added to my next set of lab tests. 

You just can't take you eye off the ball with this business.  Thanking everyone again for keeping the information current.

Pete

[Lynn K]

Hi Pete

Did you ever have hep b? Did you ever test positive for hep b virus or just an antibody test? As I understand this as long as you were never infected with hep b you should be in the clear but of course better to be sure

[Pete]

Well, not that I was aware of at the time.  Here's what the test states from 2002.

Hepatitis B  Surface Antigen - Non-Reactive
Hepatitis B Core Antibody -     Reactive
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody QL - Borderline

One month later only the Core HBV AB was checked and was non-reactive.  So  maybe, maybe not... who can tell for sure with conflicting test results from back in the day.  I think it best not to leave anything to chance and have the test done. 

Thanks for asking,  I provide an update when I know more.   

[Lynn K]

All I know about hep b testing is that results are difficult for laypersons to interpret so best left up to the professionals for sure

I think you are probably in the clear please let us know what you learn about all this
Good luck