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Summary

  • The liver is an organ that plays an important part in processing drugs.

  • Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are serious viral infections that affect the liver.

  • You should be tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

  • Co-infection with HIV and hepatitis B or hepatitis C (or both) is quite common.

  • HIV treatment can be safe and effective in people who also have HIV.

  • Hepatitis B can make you ill in both the short and long term.

  • Treatments are available for hepatitis B, some of which also work against HIV.

  • Hepatitis C can cause serious long-term health problems and is a major cause of illness and death in people with HIV.

  • Treatments are available for hepatitis C, and treatment decisions should be made on an individual basis.

  • Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and B and anybody who is HIV-positive and not already immune should receive them.

  • Your HIV and hepatitis healthcare teams should work closely together to ensure you get the best possible care. 
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.