Lamivudine therapy for chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Lamivudine was introduced as an antiviral for chronic hepatitis B over a decade ago. Its role in the management of CHB has been constantly changing. Lamivudine has proven benefit in both hepatitis B e antigen‐positive and ‐negative patients. It is able to alter the clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B patients and reduce the rates of cirrhotic complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, it has a low genetic barrier towards resistance; lamivudine resistance is a continuing and challenging problem in the management of chronic hepatitis B. Lamivudine also has a role in combination therapy, pre‐emptive therapy for patients receiving chemotherapy, and treatment in other special population groups. Although currently not a first‐line treatment for chronic hepatitis B, there are certain patient subgroups that may benefit from lamivudine therapy. With the extensive experience of widespread use of lamivudine, the long‐term safety of lamivudine has been well established.