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HIV/Hepatitis C Co-Infection

One million people in the U.S. are infected with HIV. An estimated one-third of these people also have hepatitis C. All the information on this website applies to you if you are co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV, but you may have some additional needs to consider.

How does my HIV status affect my hepatitis C status? 

HIV affects your immune system. This means that having HIV lessens your body’s ability to fight the hepatitis C virus. HIV may also speed up the rate of liver damage caused by hepatitis C. This means that having both HIV and hepatitis C may put you at higher risk for developing more advanced forms of liver disease such as cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, or liver failure when compared to people who have only hepatitis C. Although both illnesses are serious, they can be treated. To get the best care possible, talk to your health care provider about all your treatment and illness management options.

How do HIV medications affect hepatitis C medications?

The medications used to treat hepatitis C in a person co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV are the same medications used to treat people with hepatitis C only (see the Treatment section). Because the liver processes the medications used to treat HIV, treatment for people who are co-infected can be complicated.

Should I have separate health care providers for HIV and hepatitis C?

Finding a health care provider who is knowledgeable about both HIV and hepatitis C can help ensure that you will receive the best care, treatment, and management of both illnesses. If your current health care provider does not specialize in both illnesses, it may be helpful to ask him/her to work with or refer you to a provider experienced in treating both hepatitis C and HIV.

Questions to ask your health care provider about hepatitis C and HIV co-infection.

  • Do you provide care or work with many patients with both HIV and hepatitis C?
  • Do you feel up-to-date on all the latest treatments for HIV and hepatitis C? If not, can you refer me to a health care provider who treats co-infected clients?
  • Do I need to treat my hepatitis C before I start on HIV medications?
  • If I am already on HIV medications, do you recommend treatment for hepatitis C?
  • How long will I need to take medications?
  • What side effects can I expect from taking HIV and hepatitis C medications together?
  • Are there certain combinations of medications that are better tolerated or easier to take
    than others?
  • Do I have to change how and when I eat if I choose to have treatment for the HIV and/or
    hepatitis C?

This information is provided by Communicable Disease Control within the Department of Public Health.