Current research suggests that continuous antiviral therapy can delay or reduce the incidence of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma, and that a longer course of therapy can reduce recurrence. However, it is not impossible to stop the medication. For patients with HBeAg(+) chronic hepatitis B, if the HBV DNA is below the lower limit of detection, the ALT is normalized, and the HBeAg serology is converted and remains unchanged after at least 1 year of consolidation (after at least two retests, each at 6 months interval) and the total course of treatment has reached at least 2 years, discontinuation of the drug can be considered. For patients with HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B, if HBV DNA is below the lower limit of detection, ALT is normalized for at least 1.5 years (after at least 3 reviews, each at 6 months interval) and remains unchanged and the total course of treatment has reached at least 2.5 years, discontinuation of the drug can be considered. For patients with decompensated cirrhosis it can improve or stabilize liver function, delay or reduce the need for liver transplantation and prolong survival, so long-term treatment is recommended.