Lamivudine for chronic hepatitis B: a brief review

Abstract

Until recently, the only generally approved treatment for chronic hepatitis B was alpha-interferon; however, it gives only moderate efficacy in terms of sustained response (biochemical, virological and histological). In fact, only 20% to 40% of treated patients respond to therapy, with lower percentages (~ 10%) among patients infected with precoremutant strains of HBV (HBeAb HBV-DNA positive). The FDA of the USA approved the use of lamivudine in adult patients affected by chronic hepatitis B in 1998. In this review, we focused on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and efficacy and tolerability of lamivudine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B cases that are both HBeAg and anti-HBe-positive.

Outcomes and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after kidney transplantation in occult HBV carriers

“…Lamivudine has been shown to be an effective antivirus drug for HBV infection in numerous studies . Our data also showed that using lamivudine 100 mg daily for prophylaxis could be protective against HBV reactivation in occult HBV carriers.…”

Selenocyanates and diselenides: A new class of potent antileishmanial agents

“…Amphotericin B and its lipid formulation proved to be very effective in the treatment of leishmaniasis, but the cost of this drug is still prohibitively high and out of the reach of poor people. More recently, the alkyl-phospholipid miltefosine [7] has emerged as an oral drug that is highly effective in children but occasionally presents gastrointestinal complications and also shows teratogenic effects. Edelfosine [8], another alkyl-phospholipid, has also been tested and was found to display a higher in vitro activity than miltefosine.…”

Application of Bayesian Approach to Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Antiviral Treatments in Chronic Hepatitis B

“…CHB infection has severe long-term outcomes and could contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases [3]. It is estimated that CHB is among the ten leading causes of death worldwide [4]. The cost of health care, resulting in loss of life and productivity therefore has remarkable impact on the society.…”