TREATMENT
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) that treats both HIV and hepatitis B
Treatment Summary
Treatment Goal
The aim is to get and keep your HIV viral load undetectable and to suppress hepatitis B as much as possible. If treatment works well, it can reduce inflammation in the liver and lower your risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Many people on the right treatment stay well and live long, healthy lives.
Approach
The usual treatment approach for HIV and hepatitis B co-infection is to use an ART combination that is active against both viruses. Your HIV or infectious diseases specialist will choose a treatment plan that keeps your HIV viral load suppressed while also reducing hepatitis B activity in the liver. It is very important not to stop or change this treatment without specialist advice, because hepatitis B can flare up if these medicines are suddenly stopped.
Availability In Ireland
In Ireland, treatment for HIV and hepatitis B co-infection is usually managed through a hospital-based HIV, infectious diseases, or hepatology service. You may be referred by your GP, a sexual health clinic, or another hospital doctor. HIV treatment is available through specialist public hospital services, and monitoring usually includes regular clinic visits and blood tests. If you are living with HIV and are not already protected against hepatitis B, vaccination is generally offered through your HIV clinic or another HSE service. Access times can vary depending on the service and where you live, but people already linked to HIV care are usually assessed and treated through their specialist clinic.