Side Effect: Inflammation of the Liver (Hepatitis)

What is Inflammation of the Liver (Hepatitis)?

Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection, toxins, alcohol, or other causes. There are several types of hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis B and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis worldwide can be reactivated or aggravated by chemotherapy.

What does Inflammation of the Liver (Hepatitis) look like?

Symptoms of hepatitis may include:

• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

However, many people with hepatitis may not experience any symptoms.

Who gets Inflammation of the Liver (Hepatitis)?

Anyone can get hepatitis, but some populations are at higher risk, including:

• people who use injection drugs
• people who have unprotected sex with multiple partners
• healthcare workers who are exposed to blood, body fluids, or have an accidental needle stick from a used needle
• people with chronic liver disease

In rare cases, if the liver is not metabolizing medications correctly, toxins can build up and cause liver inflammation.

Certain cancer treatments are also known to increase the risk of hepatitis B reactivation. These treatments include: rituximab, ofatumumab, and obinutuzumab.

How to prevent Inflammation of the Liver (Hepatitis)

Prevention of hepatitis includes vaccination against hepatitis B, avoiding high-risk behaviors such as injection drug use and unprotected sex, and careful monitoring of liver function during cancer treatment.

If your treatment plan includes a medication that is known to increase the risk of hepatitis B reactivation your provider will likely order a hepatitis screening test and may order antiviral prophylaxis medications such as entecavir and tenofovir. These medications are typically continued for 1 year after therapy.

How to treat Inflammation of the Liver (Hepatitis)

• Treatment of hepatitis depends on the cause and severity of the hepatitis. For viral hepatitis, antiviral medications may be prescribed, such as interferon, ribavirin, and direct-acting antiviral agents.
• In cases of drug-induced hepatitis, the offending medication may need to be discontinued or the dose reduced.
• In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for supportive care and monitoring of liver function.