Is the hepatitis B virus increasing while taking medicine?

Question
Hello doctor,
I was diagnosed with hepatitis B at the beginning of 2018, and was prescribed by the doctor to take anti-viral medication and get tested once every 6 months. At the beginning of 2019, I went to the doctor again and the virus was below the detection threshold. However, at the beginning of 2021, when I went to the doctor again, I had more than 2000 viruses/ml of blood. The doctor asked me, is it okay if the hepatitis B virus increases a lot while taking medicine?
Anonymous customer
Answer
Answered by Master, Specialist II Phan Thi Minh Huong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Hello,
To the question "Is the hepatitis B virus increasing a lot while taking medication?", the doctor would like to answer as follows:
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. The hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of an unvaccinated person. The average incubation period of the hepatitis B virus is 75 days, but can range from 30 to 180 days.
If you are on medication but the hepatitis B virus is still increasing, you should check for drug resistance. You should see a gastroenterologist - hepatobiliary specialist for further evaluation tests. After the test results are available, the doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan.
If you still have questions about the hepatitis B virus, you can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System for further examination and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!