A 38-yeаr-оld mаle with knоwn chrоnic virаl hepatitis resulting from hepatitis B is seen in the outpatient infectious disease clinic to be evaluated for therapy. The patient also has cirrhosis of the liver with suspected early stages of liver failure. His liver disease continues to be monitored. The patient is a known heroin addict in remission and has been taking methadone faithfully on a long-term basis through a program at this university medical center. All of these factors were considered when a combination of antiviral agent interferon-alpha plus lamivudine treatment was chosen and will be initiated at his next visit, scheduled in one week. [blank] [blank] [blank]