What Is Hepatitis D? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Medications are not effective against acute hepatitis D, but fortunately, the acute infection tends to subside on its own.

As for chronic hepatitis D, appropriate treatment depends on the phase of the disease and how severely the infection affects liver function.

If a person’s liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may become necessary.

While treatment options for hepatitis D are limited, new medications are being studied. However, there is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for hepatitis D in the United States.

Medication Options

Doctors may prescribe a drug called interferon alfa or, alternatively, one called pegylated interferon alfa, for chronic hepatitis D.

Interferons are naturally occurring proteins that are made and secreted by cells of the immune system. Those used to treat disease are human interferons manufactured using recombinant DNA technology.

Given in high doses for one year, interferon can put chronic hepatitis D into remission, but usually does not completely rid the body of infection. (8)

A few new antiviral agents that target various stages of chronic hepatitis D are showing promising results. A drug known as bulevirtide (Hepcludex) was approved by the European Commission for the treatment of hepatitis D, (9) although it has not been approved by the FDA due to production and delivery concerns, outlined in a notice to the drug’s manufacturer.

Complementary and Integrative Approaches/Therapies

Studies on complementary therapies, such as herbal therapies, are lacking for the treatment of hepatitis D, and they have not been shown to be effective for other forms of viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis C.

People who have hepatitis D are recommended to follow a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, and avoid supplements with any liver risk, because these can potentially help reduce harm to the liver. (2)

Prevention of Hepatitis D

Although there is no vaccine for hepatitis D, an effective vaccine does exist for hepatitis B. Since hepatitis D cannot survive without hepatitis B, a vaccination against hepatitis B will protect you from both strains.

It’s important to note that the hepatitis B vaccine is only effective at preventing coinfection, not superinfection. (2)

If you already have hepatitis B, other prevention strategies will help you avoid hepatitis D.

You can prevent hepatitis D and other bloodborne illnesses like hepatitis C and HIV by avoiding these high-risk behaviors: (2)

• Sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia
• Having unprotected sex
• Sharing personal-care items with a person who has hepatitis D, especially those items that may have trace amounts of blood on them, such as razors or toothbrushes.

If you have hepatitis D you shouldn’t donate blood or blood products, sperm, organs, or tissue. (2)