Does a hbv patient need life long treatment of interferon?

Interferon is finite: Interferon is used for a specific period of time (decided upon by your hepatologist and you) and works better for some types of hbv over others. The hope is that , if it works, interferon clears the infection (done). Other medications like lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, tenofovir and telbivudine need to be continued at this point lifelong. Resistance can occur & there are long term toxicities.