hepatitis drugs Flashcards
What is the most common liver disorder?
Viral hepatitis
How many viruses can cause acute hepatitis?
Six: A, B, C, D, E, G
What are the main characteristics of acute hepatitis?
Liver inflammation, jaundice, increased ALT
Which hepatitis viruses can cause chronic hepatitis?
B, C, D
What are the complications of chronic hepatitis?
Cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure
How is Hepatitis A transmitted?
Fecal-oral route
What are the risk factors for Hepatitis A?
Low SES areas, poor sanitation, poor hygiene, international travel
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Fever, malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, anorexia, stomach pain
How effective is the Hepatitis A vaccine?
94-100% effective within 1 month
What are the side effects of the Hepatitis A vaccine?
Injection site soreness, headache, anorexia, malaise
How is Hepatitis C transmitted?
Blood, sexual contact, mother-to-child
What percentage of Hepatitis C infections become chronic?
75-85%
Can asymptomatic individuals transmit Hepatitis C?
Yes
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
Jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, myalgia, arthralgia
How many genotypes and subtypes does Hepatitis C have?
6 genotypes, over 50 subtypes
What is the goal of Hepatitis C treatment?
Cure: No detectable HCV RNA
What were the old treatments for Hepatitis C?
Interferon alfa + ribavirin
What are the pretreatment labs for Hepatitis C?
HCV RNA, CBC, LFTs, eGFR, INR, Hep B surface antigen, HIV, serum Hcg
What should be monitored during Hepatitis C treatment?
Hypoglycemia, INR
What should be checked post-treatment for Hepatitis C?
HCV RNA, LFTs
What are the adverse effects of Hepatitis C drugs?
Nausea, headache, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, pruritus, insomnia, ALT elevation
What are nursing considerations for Hepatitis C drugs?
Drug interactions (CYP450), give with food, not for pregnancy, caution in older adults
Why is Interferon Alfa-2A no longer recommended?
Not a cure, high adverse effects
How is Interferon Alfa-2A administered?
Parenteral (mostly subQ)
What are the adverse effects of Interferon Alfa-2A?
Flu-like syndrome, neuropsychiatric effects (depression), fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, heart damage, bone marrow suppression, GI effects, injection site reactions, exacerbation of autoimmune diseases
How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
Blood and semen
What percentage of Hepatitis B-exposed individuals develop acute Hepatitis B?
45-60%
What are the symptoms of acute Hepatitis B?
Most are asymptomatic
How is the Hepatitis B vaccine given?
3 doses (0, 1, 6 months)
What are the side effects of the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Injection site soreness, mild/moderate fever
What is the treatment for acute Hepatitis B?
Supportive care
What is monitored in chronic Hepatitis B?
ALT, HBV DNA, liver disease severity
What is the goal of Hepatitis B treatment?
HBsAg-negative + anti-HBs
How is Hepatitis B treated in coinfection with HIV or Hepatitis C?
HIV: ART covers both, Hep C: Treat both concurrently
What are the adverse effects of Lamivudine?
Well-tolerated
What are the adverse effects of Entecavir?
Dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, possible lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly
What are the adverse effects of Tenofovir?
Weakness, headache, GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, flatulence), possible lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly
What should be monitored in patients on Hepatitis B medications?
LFTs, CBC, renal function, HBV DNA, HBsAg, Anti-HBs, HBeAg
What are the nursing considerations for Hepatitis B medications?
Drug interactions (CYP450), give with food, safe for pregnancy/lactation, caution in older adults due to renal & hepatic function
