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Do you have hepatitis C or know someone suffering from hepatitis C? Some individuals with the condition may not show signs (possibly for years) of having contracted this virus that ultimately affects the liver. Although living with hepatitis C can be daunting, numerous medical advances have occurred in the last five years to help treat the condition. In fact, Hepatitis C can be cured with antiviral treatment.
What is hepatitis C?
Approximately 3 million people in the United States are living with Hepatitis C. A virus that damages the liver, hepatitis C is contracted through direct contact with blood infected by the virus. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) can live in dried blood for up to three weeks.
Hepatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis C virus can sometimes be healed naturally by the body. Symptoms of acute hep C may last up to six months, but unfortunately, acute hepatitis for most individuals develops into chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to inflammation and damage of the liver, eventually causing liver failure and death.
There is not a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, so if you feel you have been exposed to hepatitis C, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection of hepatitis C can greatly improve your odds of being cured.
Hepatitis C diagnosis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hepatitis C is a disease that can be spread from “sharing needles” used to inject illegal drugs. Healthcare professionals may also be concerned about the risk of contracting hepatitis C from the workplace. A pregnant mother can pass hep C to an unborn child; and although the risk is low, HCV can be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Hepatitis C is often a slowly progressing disease. Symptoms, once they occur, may include jaundiced skin, nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, dark urine, itchy skin, sore muscles, and achy joints. Indicators of hepatitis C are similar to that of a common cold or the flu.
A routine blood test will not detect if HCV is in your blood. A more specific blood test referred to as a hepatitis C antibody test will be necessary to analyze the blood to determine if an individual currently has or ever has been infected with HVC.
Because there is more than one type of hepatitis (hepatitis A and hepatitis B) and even more strains of each version, a hepatitis virus panel involving a variety of blood tests can be utilized to narrow down which hepatitis virus you may have. Further testing can also assess the extent of damage already done to the liver.
Viral load test
A viral load test can be either qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative testing identifies if the hepatitis C virus is present in the bloodstream. Quantitative viral load testing for hepatitis C measures the amount of virus in the blood. This particular testing can be used during the diagnosing stage as well as during treatment to document improvement. Viral load qualitative testing can also be helpful after a person is cured of hepatitis C to make sure the body is still free and clear of the virus and antigens associated with hepatitis C.
Liver biopsy
In some cases of diagnosing hepatitis, a liver biopsy may be ordered. A thin needle is inserted into the liver via the abdomen wall and a small amount of liver tissue is extracted. Ultrasound imaging may be utilized during this procedure to increase accuracy.
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a technique that creates an image using sound waves. The image will show if there is fibrosis (scarring of the liver). If the liver tissue is hardened or stiff, an individual may have chronic hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C treatment options
Often a combination of prescription medications is necessary to combat hep C. Antiviral medications have become increasingly successful in treating and curing hepatitis C. Homeopathic and natural remedies can be helpful to support the liver during treatment of hepatitis, but always consult your doctor first. If hepatitis goes untreated and significant damage to the liver occurs, liver transplantation may be necessary for the patient’s survival.
Hepatitis C medications
Antiviral medications are most often used to effectively treat hepatitis C. Interferons, a human protein, and immunosuppressive drugs are other types of medications used in conjunction with antivirals to treat hep C. A variety of prescriptions are available for specific types of hepatitis and the severity of liver damage. In this article, we review a few common medications used for Hepatitis C treatment. This is not a complete list of medications available.
Epclusa
Epclusa is an antiviral drug commonly used to treat hepatitis C. This medication contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir that block the virus from spreading in the body. Doctors often recommend Epclusa to individuals with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver. Side effects of this drug can include difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Epclusa can also activate the Hepatitis B virus, hence patients are tested to exclude Hepatitis B co-infection. You can take this medication with or without food. Report any negative side effects to your doctor.
Intron-A
Made from actual human proteins, Intron-A boosts the immune system to better respond to the hepatitis C virus that is invading the liver. This medication is injected into the muscle of the body, into the vein, or just under the skin. A healthcare provider will implement the first injection and many patients can learn to self administer this drug. Intron-A can cause fatigue, headache, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, fainting spells, dark urine, and bloody diarrhea. You may be restricted from driving while on this medication. Consult your doctor if you are suffering from depression or have difficulty breathing while taking Intron-A.
Promacta
Promacta is a man-made protein that is used to increase the production and formation of platelets in the body to increase the blood’s ability to clot. This drug is often used in combination with Intron-A to prevent bleeding associated with chronic hepatitis C. This drug can cause body pain and numbness, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting, but could be helpful in treating hep C and the side effects caused by other medications used for treatment. In some cases, it can affect the liver negatively. Below is a chart of some of the best medications used to treat hepatitis C.
What are the best hepatitis C medications?
The best medication to treat hep C depends on your medical history and other medications you may be taking that could interact with the prescribed drugs below. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications.
| Best hepatitis C medications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Drug class | Administration route | Standard dose | Side effects |
| Epclusa | Antiviral | Oral tablet | 100-400 mg once daily for 12 weeks | Faintness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, dark urine |
| Promacta | Synthetic protein | Oral tablet or liquid | 25-50 mg once daily | Body numbness, pain, severe headaches, dark urine, nausea, vomiting |
| Intron-A | Antiplastic interferon | Injection | 3.2 mL vial | Bloody diarrhea, dark urine, dizziness, faintness, chest pain |
| Epivir (lamivudine) | Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) | Oral tablet or oral solution | 100-300 mg first dose then 25-100 mg once a day | Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, dark urine |
| Pegasys (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) | Immunosuppressive drug and antiviral drug | Injection | 1 mL | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, erratic heartbeat, chest pain, bloody diarrhea |
Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are the side effects of hepatitis C medication?
Side effects are a common risk factor of taking prescription medication necessary to treat hepatitis C. Some of the most common side effects of antiviral medications recommended for HVC include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, fainting and difficulty breathing.
What are the best home remedies for hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a serious medical condition, consult your doctor before attempting any homeopathic remedies such as vitamins, supplements, or tinctures. Some home remedies could interfere with hepatitis C treatments or medication, so be sure you are following your recommended protocol, doses, and regimens.
Probiotics
Probiotics can be a helpful tool for creating balance in the digestive tract in a healthy or health compromised individual. Restoring the body’s natural bacteria necessary for healthy digestion can potentially reduce infection in people with hepatitis C.
Turmeric curcumin
The ancient ayurvedic healing practices used turmeric to treat numerous ailments. Today, studies show that turmeric curcumin is an antiviral agent that inhibits cellular transmission of hepatitis C from cell to cell. Turmeric can reduce inflammation and impair the virus’s ability to bind and fuse. Although turmeric can be used as a homeopathic supplement in addition to modern medicine needed to treat and cure HCV, it is important to know that it can also act as a blood thinner. As always, talk to your healthcare provider about taking supplements like turmeric to ensure that it will not disrupt the proper function of your medications, treatments, or surgery.
Diet
A healthy diet can improve the overall health of any individual. If you have hepatitis C, eating healthy foods like dark leafy greens, lean meats, fish, egg whites, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables can have a positive impact on the body.
Knowing what foods to avoid is also important to reduce potential inflammation of the liver. Processed, sugary, unrefined foods high in fats and sodium (salt) can reduce pain, discomfort, and damage to the liver. If you have hepatitis C, limit your intake of fried foods to allow your liver the opportunity to heal.
Avoiding alcohol can increase your overall wellness, but especially your liver health. Alcohol can trigger unwanted liver inflammation associated with hepatitis C. In addition, drinking alcohol can suppress your immune system and reduce the effectiveness of hepatitis medications.
Frequently asked questions about hepatitis C
What is the best treatment for hep C?
Powerful antiviral medications such as Epculsa are recommended to treat hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a serious condition that may need numerous prescription medicines, including immunosuppressants and human proteins to effectively resolve.
Is hep C curable?
Yes, hepatitis C is curable. Some individuals will naturally recover from a hepatitis C viral infection while many others will need medical intervention. hep C can be treated with antiviral medications and other supplemental prescriptions that kill the virus and prevent the virus from spreading.
What causes hep C?
Hepatitis C is a virus and is contracted by coming in contact with blood that has been infected. Individuals, especially healthcare professionals, are at risk for contracting hepatitis C if they come in contact with a patient’s blood.
Is hep C an STD?
Although the risk of contracting hepatitis C sexually is low, it can be transmitted through unprotected intercourse. Thus, hep C is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What is the difference between hepatitis A, B, and C?
Hepatitis A and B are variations or strains of the hepatitis virus. While there is not currently a vaccine available for hepatitis C, vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. In addition, hepatitis A and C are curable, but B is not.
How long is hep C treatment?
Medical intervention for curing hepatitis C commonly lasts for three months or 12 continuous weeks. Treatment of HCV can be as little as eight weeks or upward of 24 weeks depending on the severity of liver damage, and if previous treatments had been pursued.