Q: I am a 25 years old girl suffering from chronic hepatitis B. I am taking medicines for the last 10 months which are - Alpha interferon, Lamivudine, Lasix, Aldactone and Inderal. The doctor has suggested me to take a new medicine called Thymolic introduced now. I am also suffering from inguinal hernia. Is it curable or not?

A:The use of interferon and Lamivudine (Lamidac 100 mg) in Hepatitis B is well established; hence you need to continue these medicines as long as necessary and advised by your doctor. However, I do not know why you were prescribed Lasix and Aldactone, both of which are diuretics i.e. they increase the output of urine. Similarly Inderal (propranolol) is a medicine for blood pressure and heart conditions. Thymolic is the brand name of a medicine called thymoglobulin (also called anti-thymocyte immunoglobulin). It is an immunosuppressant i.e. it decreases immunity and is indicated in kidney transplant cases so that the patient does not reject the kidney donated by another person. Its use increases the chance of other infections. Its side effects may occur immediately or after years. These delayed effects include certain types of cancer. Immediate side effects include bladder pain, chest pain, confusion, cough, fast or irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, numbness or tingling around lips, hands or feet etc. Inguinal and/or umblical hernia can be easily treated by minor surgical intervention.