The Official Website of the Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Health and Human Services

Treatment

What kinds of treatment are available for hepatitis C?

Medications are available to treat chronic hepatitis C. If successful, they reduce the amount of virus to a level that is undetectable by the PCR test. If the virus levels remain undetectable for at least 24 weeks after a person stops taking the medications, the individual is considered to have a “substantial response” and may be cured of the disease. Currently, treatment consists of taking two medications: injections of a drug called interferon and pills called ribavirin. This is called combination therapy. A usual treatment schedule involves injecting interferon one to three times a week, and taking the ribavirin pills two times per day.

Pegylated interferon is a new form of interferon that is injected only once a week. Pegylated interferon treatment is more convenient, is easier to take, and is more effective in some people than regular interferon.

Is it necessary to be treated right away?

For most people with hepatitis C, getting treatment is not an emergency. You do not have to rush into a decision. Treatment can decrease the risk of liver damage and even reverse liver damage in some people. It is important for you to weigh the pros and cons so that you make the best decision for yourself. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about when you should think about treatment, and about what type of treatment would be best for you.

Are there side effects of treatment?

There may be side effects from hepatitis C medications. Some people have severe side effects, while others experience few effects at all. When they occur, they can disrupt your life and day-to-day activities. But there are ways to cope and treat side effects. In fact, many side effects of treatment are similar to the symptoms of hepatitis C, and can be dealt with in the same manner. Common side effects include muscle aches, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite (see the Living With Hepatitis C: Keeping Your Liver Healthy section).

Strategies for managing side effects may include:

  • Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water and juices each day to avoid dehydration;
  • Talking to your health care provider about the use of pain relievers;
  • Eating small frequent meals, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods;
  • Getting enough rest by keeping a regular sleep schedule and taking a nap, if necessary; and
  • Using your support systems by talking to family and friends about how you are feeling, or considering joining a support group.

One possible side effect of interferon is depression and anxiety, which can be severe in some people. If you have a history of depression, make sure you tell your health care provider.
Anti-depressant medication can help lessen the symptoms, and talking to family and friends is important.

Ribavirin can cause birth defects, so appropriate birth control is essential for both men and women being treated for hepatitis C, both during treatment and for 6 months after.

If you or your partner are considering antiviral treatment, and either of you is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor or health care provider immediately.

How long does treatment last?

The length of treatment is 6 to 12 months depending on your genotype (see the Testing and Diagnosis section on page 11). People with genotype 2 or 3 tend to respond much better to treatment. A person with genotype 1 may need treatment for a full 12 months, while someone with genotype 2 or 3 may need only 6 months of treatment. If virus levels do not go down significantly in the first three months of treatment, it is unlikely that further treatment will work.

Are there other treatments available?

Complementary therapies are used together with conventional medicine to treat many illnesses, including hepatitis C and the side effects of treatment. Complementary treatment attempts to use the body’s natural self-healing abilities to bring the body back into balance. See box at right for a short description of some complementary therapies.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine, and has been practiced for over 3,000 years. It is used to stimulate the immune system and may strengthen your body’s ability to fight the virus. Side effects of prescribed medications like nausea, muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, skin problems, insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and depression may be reduced by acupuncture treatment.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced as a form of treatment for illness for over 5,000 years. Chinese herbal medicine uses herbs, minerals, and animal products to treat illnesses. Herbal remedies are used to make the immune system stronger and reduce symptoms of disease.

The use of Chinese herbal medicine or any herbs should only be done under the supervision of a trained herbalist who has experience treating hepatitis C. If not chosen carefully, Chinese herbs and other herbs may interact in a harmful way with medications such as interferon, ribavirin, and other herbs and vitamins.

Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is provided by a trained therapist using his/her hands to manipulate muscles and soft tissues of the body to help reduce tension, stimulate or soothe the nervous system, improve blood circulation, and increase joint movement.

Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Indian system that is based on the togetherness of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that involves physical postures and breathing techniques.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi
Qi Gong and Tai Chi are martial arts that use physical exercises or movements that focus on healing and inner awareness. They combine aerobic conditioning, meditation, and relaxation.

Meditation
Meditation is a mental practice that is meant to bring about relaxation, inner peace, and increased awareness. There are many different types of meditation; they all work to quiet the mind and help you feel more peaceful and relaxed.

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