What If My Hepatitis C Treatment Doesn’t Work?

Editors note: Always discuss treatment options with your doctor prior to making any changes to your routine.

With improved hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals, treatment is thought to have a high cure rate (in some cases). But what if your treatment did not work for you? What’s next?

Disappointment of treatment not working

I can personally relate to the disappointment of hepatitis C treatment not working. In the 20 years I did have hepatitis C, I did a total of three treatments.

My first two treatments were not successful.

Giving up was not an option. Winston Churchill said it best, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

What are my treatment options?

Though from what I have read, there might be a low percentage of patients who do not receive success from treatment but this does not mean there aren't options. There are a variety of treatments available for hepatitis C. Talk to your doctor about these.

Your doctor may select another option, and you might be able to be re-treated. If you are not able to do current treatment options, talk to your doctor about researching the possibility of enrolling in a clinical trial.

Liver health is important

It is always important to be proactive and take care of your liver. Practicing good liver health will significantly help as you prepare for your next treatment.

There are many ways to practice good liver health. Some of them include:

• Eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Seek dietary counsel from a registered dietitian and your liver specialist who can design a healthy liver diet for your condition.
• Avoid processed foods.
• Eat smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of pure water or water infused with citrus.
• Exercise: Mild exercises such as walking, riding a bike, swimming, yoga or stretching exercises help boost your immune system and energy.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Talk to your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that are right for you.

Treatment and mental health

Join a support group with others who have the same liver condition. A support group offers care, encouragement, and others who relate to what you are experiencing.

Support is also important for your healing journey. Talk to a professional counselor, life coach, or pastor if you’re experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, and excess stress.

Remember, you are not alone. You will get through this.

Never give up hope. Listen to your thoughts. Shift to a when=win mindset.

It’s not a matter of if you’re going to get treated and overcome hepatitis C, it’s a matter of when.

What is the key to success? Never give up!

Keep going, my friend. You will get through this.