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Hepatitus C Treatments

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that eventually causes inflammation and damage. The condition can be spread through contact with the blood of someone who is infected or by having sex with someone who is infected. It can also be contracted by babies during childbirth. Most people who have hepatitis C do not show any symptoms of the infection for years, until the liver begins to show signs of damage. Hepatitis C does not typically resolve on its own, and it can cause liver cancer and scarring of the liver.

  1. Antiviral drugs

    • People who develop a hepatitis C infection will be given antiviral medications to help clear the infection from their bodies. Two medications are available--interferon and ribavirin--and patients are often given the medications together. A typical course of antiviral medications lasts several weeks. After the patients takes all the prescribed drugs, a blood test will be conducted to see if the virus is still present. If it is, another round of antiviral medications may be prescribed. The possible side effects of the antiviral drugs used to treat hepatitis C include depression and flu-like symptoms.

    Liver Transplant

    • If a hepatitis C infection is not discovered until there is significant damage to the liver, patients may need a liver transplant. A liver transplant involves removing the damaged liver and replacing it with either a healthy liver from a deceased donor or a piece of a liver from a living donor. A liver transplant will not cure a hepatitis C infection. Patients who receive a liver transplant will still need to take antiviral medications because the infection is likely to come back.

    Vaccinations

    • No vaccination is available to protect against hepatitis C. However, vaccines are used to prevent hepatitis A and B infections. Doctors will typically advise people with hepatitis C to receive the other hepatitis vaccinations to be protected against further liver damage and prevent complications that could result from a second hepatitis infection.

    No Treatment

    • Not all people infected with hepatitis C will require medical treatment. If tests reveal only slight liver problems because of the infection, your doctor may advise against treatment because of the low likelihood that you will experience severe liver damage. However, in patients who do not undergo treatment, the liver will be monitored to be sure it is healthy and not becoming damaged because of the infection.

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