Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Treatment of Hepatitis C

Increasingly effective treatments for hepatitis C are available and can clear the virus in approximately half those treated. The treatment is usually with a combination of two drugs, interferon and ribavirin. Even if the treatment does not clear the virus, it may still slow down the progression of inflammation and liver damage. Treatment usually lasts for six or twelve months.

The medicines used to treat hepatitis C can have a number of side effects, which are often worse at the beginning of treatment. These side effects may be intolerable for some people. These include flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches and aches and pains. Other side effects may include nausea, depression, and skin rashes.

The medicines are not suitable if you have certain other medical conditions, are pregnant or drink a lot of alcohol.

If the virus is cleared with treatment, you are not immune to future infections with hepatitis C.

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