Treatment of Hepatitis C

What is the treatment of Hepatitis C?

Ribavirin and Pegylated Interferon taken together is the best treatment for Hepatitis C. This will clear the virus from the blood in 4 out of every 10 persons treated. It works less well if you have cirrhosis of the liver.

What are the side effects of the drugs?

Ribavirin is given as tablets. It can cause anaemia. When your the drug is started your blood count will be regularly checked and sometimes it will be necessary to reduce the dose.

Pegylated Interferon is given as an injection once a week. If you are prescribed Interferon by your doctor, a nurse will teach you how to give yourself the injections at home. Interferon often makes people feel as if they have 'flu, with aches, tiredness and fever. These side-effects often get better as treatment goes on. (If they don't, or you notice anything else unusual either in your health or your mood after starting Interferon, you should discuss it with your doctor or nurse, or contact the support group.)

How long will I need to have treatment for?

This depends on the virus genotype. People with genotype 1 need a year of treatment and people with genotype 2 and 3 only need 6 months treatment. However if the virus is still present in the blood after 3 months of treatment the drugs will usually be stopped.

How will I know if the treatment has worked?

Sometimes the virus comes back at the end of treatment. You will know if the treatment has worked if there is no virus in the blood (Hepatitis C RNA negative) six months after finishing the treatment course. 70 – 80% of those with genotype 2/3 will be negative and 45 – 50 % with genotype 1.

What happens if the treatment does not work?

You will continue to come to clinic usually once a year so that we can monitor the blood tests and talk to you about any symptoms you may have as well as keeping you up to date with any new developments in treatment.

Who should have treatment for Hepatitis C?

Not everyone with Hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis. As the treatment only works in 5 out of 10 people it is given to those that have a lot of scarring and inflammation in the liver.

While taking Interferon and Ribavirin, most people can continue their normal lives: going to work, looking after their families, and travelling abroad.

Other Treatments

Although combination treatment with Ribavirin and Interferon is not a perfect treatment, it is the best treatment available at the moment. Many studies are being done in the hope of improving treatment, and you may be asked to take part in a clinical trial. If you are, you should discuss this with your doctors.

Will I need a liver transplant?

In a few people, Hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and eventually ill-health due to liver failure. A liver transplant may be necessary to treat this. If you have been told that you may need a liver transplantation, and want to know more about it, the British Liver Trust have a fact sheet about this. A transplant is only needed when the chance of the liver not working is less than 50% in the next year.