Effectiveness of tenofovir

General Discussion
1

Hello all,

Does anyone know how effective tenofovir is in reducing/eliminating the risk of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer or other severe issues with the liver? Like in terms of hard percentages compared to those who are not taking any medication? I was put on tenofovir after my infection with hepatitis B did not clear up on its own within 6 months of diagnosis.

2

Hi @Barry

I don’t have percentages but think it is a fact Tenofovir reduces chances of liver cancer and liver damage, if started treatment early.
I’ve been on antiviral for 10 years approximately.
That’s why the drug was produced, to lower chances of damage because without Tenovir our liver could be getting damaged and we wouldn’t know.
I Hope I’ve explained myself properly.
An expert will answer your question soon, probably with the percentages you require.
Blessings
Caraline

1 Like
3

What is the definition for “treatment started early”? 1 week after infection? 1 month? 1 year? What if treatment is started too late, a couple of months after what’s considered “early treatment”?

4

As in damage to liver discovered early, before there is lots of damage.
An expert @thomas tu may explain better.
After infection of HepB most people don’t need treatment for years to come.

1 Like
5

Dear @Barry,

Yes, there are numerous studies showing that tenofovir can reduce liver cancer risk by more than 70% (particularly if you are treated before you are cirrhotic as per @Caraline’s point, Reduced Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic and Noncirrhotic Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Treated With Tenofovir—A Propensity Score–Matched Study | The Journal of Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic and https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.29537). Tenofovir can not only prevent liver damage but allow for the liver damage to recover and reverse back to normal in about 90% of patients (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)61425-1/fulltext).

Hope this helps,
Thomas

6

Thanks, Thomas. It’s good to know that it’s worthwhile taking the meds every day.

Regards,

Barry

1 Like