New Hep B Treatment Gets Green Light

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication to treat hepatitis B. 

This new treatment is called Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) and has been approved to treat adults with chronic hepatitis B virus infection with compensated liver disease. 

Tenofovir alafenamide is available as a tablet and is typically taken once a day with food. 

The dose does not have to be adjusted for those who have kidney problems. However, this medication is not to be given to patients with end-stage renal disease. 

Tenofovir alafenamide can be given to those with mild liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh A), and the dose does not have to be lowered. However, this medication is not recommended in those with decompensated liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh B or C). 

For those who have HIV and hepatitis B, this medication, should not be given alone. 

Common side effects of this medication include headache, stomach pain and feeling tired. 

This medication carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of having an acid in your blood build up — referred to as lactic acidosis. This medication may also cause serious liver problems. 

Gilead markets tenofovir alafenamide.