Hepatitis C Overview

Hepatitis means an inflammation (swelling) of the liver. When the liver is inflamed, it has a harder time doing things it needs to do, such as act as a filter to clear wastes and toxins from your blood. The Hepatitis C virus causes liver inflammation and is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.

You may have had Hepatitis C for a long time and still felt fine. Some people cannot get rid of the Hepatitis C virus on their own, which means that about 85% of people with Hepatitis C have a long-term infection that needs to be treated and monitored because it can progress and cause serious liver problems.

Generally, two kinds of medicines are usually used together to treat Hepatitis C: interferon and ribavirin. Our clinicians are available to talk with your about these medication therapies.

Living with Hepatitis C

One of the most difficult things for people on Hepatitis C therapy is dealing with the side effects caused by the interferon injections and ribavirin pills. Side effects vary from person to person. Some people will hardly notice that they are taking medications. Others will feel like they have a cold for much of the time on therapy, and sometimes they will feel even worse.

If you are on Hepatitis C therapy:

• Recognize and identify the side effects that you are having.
• Learn how to manage the side effects, including knowing when to ask your doctor for help.
• Know which side effects are serious, so that you can report them immediately to your healthcare provider.

Knowing about your treatment is important so that you can finish with good results and so you can feel better sooner. To learn more about Hepatitis C, please visit: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm

Healthy Pointers:

• Eat regular balanced meals and drink enough fluids.
• Get enough rest.
• See your doctor regularly.
• Don't drink alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of Hepatitis C and alcohol decreases the effectiveness of your treatment.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
• Don't take new vitamins, nutritional supplements, or over-the-counter medicines without discussing them with your doctor.

Questions? Call us at 1.888.282.5166 or email us.

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