Currently, there are three types of interferon and a combination of interferon and ribavirin used to treat hepatitis C. Selection of patients for treatment may be determined by biochemical, virologic, and when necessary, liver biopsy findings, rather than presence or absence of symptoms.
Interferon is given by injection, and may have a number of side effects including flu-like symptoms including headaches, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, depression and thinning of hair. It may also interfere with the production of white blood cells and platelets by depressing the bone marrow. Periodic blood tests are required to monitor blood cells and platelets. Ribavirin can cause sudden, severe anemia, and birth defects so women should avoid pregnancy while taking it and for 6 months following treatment. The severity and type of side effects differ for each individual. Treatment of children with HCV is not currently approved but is under investigation.
While 50-60% of patients respond to treatment initially, lasting clearance of the virus occurs in about 10-40% of patients. Treatment may be prolonged and given a second time to those who relapse after initial treatment. Re-treatment with bioengineered consensus interferon alone results in elimination of the virus in 58% of patients treated for one year. Side effects occur but the medication is usually well tolerated. Combined therapy (interferon and ribavirin) shows elimination of the virus in 47% after 6 months of therapy. Side effects from both drugs may be prominent.
Currently, almost one half of all liver transplants in the U.S. are performed for end-stage hepatitis C. However, re-infection of the transplanted liver by HCV occurs at a high rate. Fortunately, this infrequently requires a second transplant.
Anyone with hepatitis C should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and should not drink alcohol.
Try to maintain as normal a life as possible by eating a well balanced diet, exercising and keeping a positive attitude. Avoid depressing or overwhelming tasks and learn how to pace yourself, rest when you feel tired. Plan physically exhausting tasks in the morning when your energy level is at its peak.
Diagnosing and Treating Hepatitis - Hepatitis Foundation International (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV)
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