Treatment of Hepatitis C

The combination therapy of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is the current standard of care for hepatitis C. Clinical trials have shown that this combination treatment makes the hepatitis C virus undetectable in more than half of the patients who are treated. Response to treatment may vary based on individual factors, genotype, viral load and race. There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C. Combination therapy results in better treatment responses than monotherapy, but the highest response rates have been achieved with pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin.

Currently, the best indicator of effective treatment is an SVR, defined by the absence of detectable HCV RNA in the serum as shown by a qualitative HCV RNA assay with lower limit of detection of 50 IU/mL or less at 24 weeks after the end of treatment. The following are some of the most common side effects associated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy: flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches; fatigue; upset stomach, nausea/vomiting; loss of appetite; difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels (which may lead to diabetes); skin reactions (such as rash, dry or itchy skin, temporary hair loss, or redness and swelling at the site of injection); temporary hair thinning; and trouble sleeping. Possible serious side effects include mental health problems such as depression, blood problems, infections, and problems with the lungs, eyes, immune system, and heart.

Healthcare providers may treat these side effects, change the amount of medication, or stop treatment.

Hep C Information posted by HepCandMe.org