Some patients experience depression. The type and severity of side effects differ for each individual. Interferon may interfere with the production of white blood cells and platelets by depressing the bone marrow. Blood tests are needed to monitor blood cells, platelets, and liver enzymes. Some HBV patients with advanced cirrhosis might be considered for a liver transplant.
Many new treatments are under investigation.
The malaise and aching associated with the treatments vary in severity among recipients and may be lessened by the Immune Enhancement protocol, antioxidant support, and favorable lifestyle. Isoprinosine is not approved by the FDA, but can be ordered from offshore pharmacies. Treatment by an infectious-disease specialist is essential. One third of all people infected by this virus can expect total remission after 2 to 4 months of treatment with alpha-interferon. The protective role of selenium against hepatitis B viruses was reported in early January of 1997 in the Journal Biological Trace Element Research .