High and hesitant

Living With Hep B Treatment and Monitoring
1

Hello everyone,

Was inactive HBC since birth and a routine health screen threw up alarming scores in Nov 2025. In the state of confusion, I resisted the doctor’s advice to start antiviral immediately. In Dec 2025, another blood test and scan was done, with the latest in early March this year. Figures in table below.

I’m extremely sensitive to medication, thus my hesitation. Should I be paranoid about my readings and start the antivirals? Are the side effects? Is it s guaranteed cure? Has there been anyone who managed to live well without medications and without complications, at such high level of DNA count?

Thank you for any sharing, advice, feedback :folded_hands:

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Hello @Siang ,

Thanks for reaching out. I completely understand that it’s scary and confusing when you’re considering treatment for the first time. I also understand not wanting to start treatment right away. Your ALT is high, but it’s not extremely high. That being said, it has gone up since the last time you had it checked, so I agree with your doctor that now is a good time to consider medication. I have personally been on medication for several years, with no side effects. I’m very grateful that we have treatment available, and I feel that being on treatment has helped reduce my worry about future health complications of this disease. Unfortunately, the current medications available do not cure hepatitis B, so they must be taken long-term. It’s only one pill a day, and you really do get used to it.

Hope that helps.

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Hi et5656,

Thank you very much for your kind reassurance. I must admit I am trying my best to keep my paranoia under control.

The list is in reverse order, so the latest reading is the first row - ALT is lower now.

I’m sensitive to medication - allergic to panadol and certain antibiotics, but the doctor didn’t think twice of this.

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Hello @Siang

I know it’s daunting to start new medications specially if you are sensitive to medicine.

The thing is there is no cure yet, and antiviral medications, one pill a day, is the only treatment.

This pill will stop the virus attacking your liver. There are no symptoms so you can’t go by that, thinking, oh I’ll start treatment when I feel sick.

The medication will stop you from getting liver cancer. I’m very grateful there is a simple treatment with rare side effects.

Please discuss with your doctor. Maybe you won’t be sensitive to this medication. I am 65 been on treatment years. I remember I didn’t like adding a pill to my daily live. As I’m getting older the doctors seem to be adding more.

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