BARACLUDE^® (entecavir) is a prescription medicine that may reduce the level of HBV in your blood. When there is less virus, your liver condition may improve. BARACLUDE does not cure HBV and does not stop you from spreading HBV to others.

If you have chronic hepatitis B, visit your doctor regularly. Regular visits allow your doctor to monitor your health and detect any problems early.

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Glossary of terms

Below are definitions of terms used throughout this site, as well as other common words related to hepatitis B.

Acute hepatitis B: A new hepatitis B infection. A person who is initially infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is said to have an acute infection.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): A liver enzyme that can indicate liver damage.

Antibody: A protein that your immune system makes in response to a foreign substance. Antibodies can be produced in response to a vaccine or a natural infection. Antibodies usually protect you against future infections.

Antigen: A foreign substance that stimulates an immune response, such as parts of the hepatitis B virus.

Asymptomatic: A term that refers to a disease or infection that reveals no signs of infection. People with the hepatitis B virus often show no symptoms of infection, but the virus can still be multiplying in the body and damaging the liver for years.

Bloodborne pathogens: Substances in the blood that can cause infection or disease. The hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are both bloodborne pathogens. They are spread through blood and infected bodily fluids and can cause infection of the liver.

Chronic hepatitis B: A long-term hepatitis B virus infection of the liver. A person who has had the hepatitis B virus for more than 6 months is said to have a chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B may last a lifetime.

DNA Polymerase: An enzyme that the hepatitis B virus needs to replicate (or multiply). Most chronic hepatitis B antiviral (or viral-reducing) medicines work to interfere with the DNA polymerase to slow down the virus's reproduction.

E-Antibody (HBeAb or anti-HBe): An antibody that is produced by the body's immune system for either a short time during an acute hepatitis B virus infection or each time the virus has a burst of replication. A sudden change from e-antigen to e-antibody (known as "seroconversion") is a predictor of long-term clearance of HBV in patients taking antiviral (or virus-reducing) medicines.

Enzymes: Naturally occurring chemical substances in the human body. Enzymes help in the occurrence of a chemical reaction.

Fibrosis (hepatic): The growth of fibrous tissue in the liver. Fibrosis usually occurs where there has been liver damage.

Gastroenterologist: A doctor who specializes in disorders of the gastrointestinal system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and liver.

HBV DNA (also called viral load) test: A test that measures the amount of hepatitis B virus in your blood and can indicate active viral replication.

Hepatitis A: A type of hepatitis that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is an acute infection only and most people recover fully within 6 to 10 weeks. However, HAV infection can be especially harmful to a person already infected with hepatitis B. The hepatitis A virus is spread mainly through feces and contaminated food and water. There is a vaccine available to protect against HAV.

Hepatitis B blood panel: A three-part blood test that helps your doctor diagnose hepatitis B. This test is made up of the following:

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) test reveals if the hepatitis B virus is in your blood and if you are contagious.
The hepatitis B surface antibody (HbsAb) test reveals whether or not your body has developed a protective antibody against the hepatitis B virus. Surface antibodies can form if you have been vaccinated, or if you have recovered from a hepatitis B infection. This usually provides long-term protection against future hepatitis B infection. And, you cannot pass the virus on to others.
The hepatitis B core antibody (HbcAb) test reveals if you have been exposed to the virus. But this antibody does not protect you from the hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV): The virus that causes hepatitis B. HBV can be spread through blood and infected bodily fluids. Hepatitis B can be passed from mother to child.

Hepatocyte: A liver cell.

Hepatologist: A doctor who focuses on diseases of the liver.

Inflammation: A localized protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection. Inflammation may cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function.

Jaundice: A yellowing of the eyes or skin. Jaundice occurs when too much bilirubin (a pigment that is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells) builds up in your body. Call your doctor right away if your eyes or skin appear yellow. This is a sign that your liver is not working properly.

Liver biopsy: A test in which your doctor uses a special needle to remove a tiny piece of tissue from your liver. He or she then examines it under a microscope for signs of inflammation or damage.

Scarring: Scar tissue can form in the liver because of injury or long-term disease. It can replace healthy tissue and block the flow of blood. Over time, this can cause your liver to stop working the way it should.

Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses the reflection of high-frequency sound waves to show pictures of organs inside the body. An ultrasound can help your doctor to see any abnormalities on the surface of your liver.

Virus: A germ that causes a sickness. The flu is an example of a virus. Viruses can be spread from person to person.