HIV and Hepatitis B (HBV)
Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) may make it harder for people with HIV to take
antiretroviral (ARV) medication.
This is because HBV can lead to serious liver damage if left untreated, and many
ARVs
are metabolized by the liver.
HBV raises the risk of hepatic toxicity to certain medications.
HBV is one of 5 common hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E) that cause inflammation of the liver. Symptoms include jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), dark urine, and fatigue. Many patients have no symptoms.
The virus is spread the same way as HIV: by contact with the blood or body fluid of someone who is infected. Some behaviors, such as unprotected sex and sharing needles for injection drug use, can put you at increased risk for HBV. People also get infected at birth (from an infected mother) or during childhood, by coming into contact with an infected child.
The good news is that the infection is preventable; the number of people with HIV who also have HBV has decreased as a result of HBV vaccinations and
ARV medications.
If you are living with HIV, you should get tested for HBV, especially before you start any new treatment. If you are HIV-positive and have tested positive for HBV, it is important that you are seeing a doctor who has experience treating both diseases.
Some of the treatments for HBV are the same as for HIV. Treatment should never be suddenly discontinued as this risks an hepatic flair.
