Hepatitis C attacks the liver but can remain dormant for decades and does not always require treatment.Those diagnosed with the early stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are advised to continue normal life routines. Advanced stages of HCV, which a person does not always reach, may call for a few possible treatments. Understanding what these treatments are can help a patient make a more informed decision regarding their care. There are three main kinds of hepatitis C - genotypes 1, 2 and 3. Genotype 1 is the most prevalent.
Reasons Treatment May Be Required For Hepatitis C
Often, no treatment is necessary for hepatitis C, but there are exceptions. A blood test indicating the presence of hepatitis C in the bloodstream may require regular treatments and medical supervision. If a standard liver biopsy indicates severe liver damage, hepatitis C treatment is necessary. Excessive levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicate that treatment for hepatitis C is required.
Reasons No Treatment May Be Required For Hepatitis C
Many times, no treatment is required with a diagnosis of hepatitis C. If regular testing indicates a negligible amount of damage to your liver, your doctor may decide to forgo treatment, since many treatments for hepatitis C have major side effects. Not all doctors come to this conclusion, however; many feel that the disease is worth fighting from its earliest stages, despite the potential side effects of treatment.
Treatments For Hepatitis C
The most common treatment for hepatitis C is a regular weekly injection of a drug called pegylated interferon alfa combined with a twice-a-day antiviral agent called ribavirin (Rebetol). This combination therapy treatments clears up hepatitis C in 40 to 80 percent of the people who use it; people with genotype 1 HCV respond positively 40 percent of the time, while those with types 2 and 3 respond positively about 80 percent of the time.
Side Effects Of Treatments For Hepatitis C
The interferon used in the drug therapy treatment of HCV may cause side effects in some individuals. These may include irritability, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, fatigue, skin irritation, depression and concentration or memory issues. The ribivirin used in the drug therapy treatment of HCV may cause side effects, including nasal congestion, anemia, fatigue, itchiness and birth defects. In combination treatments, interferon and ribavirin may cause side effects including suicidal behavior or psychosis; people who have had problems with depression in the past are advised against using the combination treatment for hepatitis C.
Liver Transplantation And HCV
In severe, end stage liver disease, transplantation may be necessary. It is important to note, however, that a liver transplant does not cure hepatitis C; even if a person receives a liver transplant, the disease can recur. HCV patients who receive a liver transplant are also very likely to develop cirrhosis within five years.
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