Hepatitis C
How is it treated?
Currently, hepatitis C infection has no cure. Benefits of treatment in acute hepatitis C infection are questionable at this time, because hepatitis C is rarely diagnosed during the acute phase of the infection. The ideal time to start drug therapy also remains unknown; however, recent evidence suggests that starting interferon therapy early may be highly effective. Each individual's doctor must determine the most appropriate therapy. Patients with acute HCV should maintain a healthy diet and good fluid balance, rest, and avoid drugs and alcohol that can damage the liver.
In 2001, great progress was made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. First, the FDA approved peginterferon, a specially adapted form of artificial interferon that resists breakdown by the immune system. Interferons are antiviral proteins produced by the immune system. Synthetically-manufactured interferons are used to treat a number of conditions. Peginterferon offers several advantages, including increased effectiveness and less frequent dosing, over standard synthetic interferons. Also in 2001, ribavirin, an oral antiviral medication, was approved as a single agent. It was formerly available only in combination with interferon. Currently, combination treatment with peginterferon alfa (injected once weekly) and ribavirin (taken orally on a daily schedule) is the preferred treatment for adult persons with hepatitis C who have never been on interferon therapy before.
The most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States is liver failure due to chronic infection with HCV. Liver transplants become necessary for approximately 15% of individuals with chronic hepatitis C. Unfortunately, transplants cannot be performed in all chronic HCV patients that require them due to the shortage of donor organs. In addition, as many as 90% of the hepatitis C patients who do undergo liver transplantation will be re-infected with HCV since no absolute cure exists.
Drug classes used to treat Hepatitis C Anti-virals Interferons
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How is it treated?
