Hepatitis C Treatment: Questions and Concerns

Most hepatitis C patients have concerns about their condition and treatment. These are some of the top concerns and questions the majority of patients ask their physicians about treatment.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

To determine which treatment is best suited for you, there are tests and several factors to consider. These include tests to determine what genotype (virus strain) you have, viral load, and your liver condition (to know if you have any liver damage and if so, to what degree).

Also, it’s important to consider if you have other medical conditions and what medications you are taking. Considering all these factors will help you and your doctor determine which hepatitis C treatment is best suited for you.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Treatment for hepatitis C has greatly improved from older treatments. The most common side effects of treatments offered today are fatigue, headache, mild nausea, and insomnia.

Often, the onset of treatment is when the majority of patients experience side effects. Side effects often ease up and cycle out during treatment. Overall, fatigue is the most common side effect, with energy fluctuating during treatment. Some patients report experiencing very few to no side effects with treatment.

How long will treatment last?

With improved treatment, the standard treatment time is typically 8-12 weeks.

What are my chances of being cured?

Direct-acting antiviral treatments have a high cure. The average cure rate is 95%, in most cases.

Will I be able to do treatment and continue working, and take care of my family?

With improved treatments, the majority of patients are able to function well and continue with their regular routine. Some patients may need to take some days off from work if they don’t feel well or feel extra tired.

It’s important to have a plan in place, if possible, in order to take days off if you need to. Listen to your body and pace yourself. Ask and let others help if you need it. Taking rest stops is important during treatment. Remember, treatment is temporary compared to the rest of your life.

What type of tests will be run during treatment?

Blood work is typically done at intervals during and after treatment. Checking complete blood count (CBC), liver panel, and viral load is common.

What happens if I can’t afford my co-pay or don’t have medical insurance to cover treatment?

There are patient assistance programs you can apply to help with co-pays. There are also special assistance programs to apply to if you don’t have medical insurance that covers treatment.

Do you have a question or concern about hepatitis C treatment?Ask here or comment below!