Patients taking oral antiviral therapy who become pregnant

If a patient with chronic hepatitis B is taking oral antiviral therapy and becomes pregnant, treatment should usually continue. There is a risk of a severe flare if treatment is stopped during pregnancy, particularly in those with significant liver disease (advanced fibrosis). For patients taking entecavir, switching to tenofovir is recommended (see Safety of antiviral drugs for hepatitis B during pregnancy). Ideally, the harms and benefits of taking antiviral therapy during pregnancy should be discussed before conception.

Decisions related to hepatitis B therapy during pregnancy should be made in consultation with a specialist.