Sureway Treatment for Hepatitis C

Treatment for hepatitis C is available. The course of treatment depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic, the strain (genotype) of the virus, how much virus is in the body (viral load), the degree of liver damage, response to previous treatment, and the health of the patient. Hepatitis C treatment is highly individualized, so it's important to be under the care of a doctor with expertise in this area. Medications used to treat hepatitis C include interferon (Infergen, Roferon, Intron A), peglyated interferon (Pegasys, Pegintron), ribavirin (CoPegus, Rebetol), boceprevir (Victrelis), telaprevir (Incivek), simprevir (Olysio), and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi). The goal of treatment is to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR), which means there is no detectable virus in the blood 6 months after treatment. While it's not a cure, achieving SVR is the next best thing. Many people with hepatitis C infection can achieve SVR with treatment. 

 

Liver Transplantation

Some people with advanced hepatitis C infection and severe liver damage undergo a liver transplant, but that doesn't eradicate the infection. Patients with active infection at the time of the transplant will develop hepatitis C in the new liver. Sometimes the infection recurs even when patients are on antiviral treatment. Those who have achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) - meaning no detectable virus in the blood 6 months after treatment - have a very low risk of developing hepatitis C infection in the new liver.

Is Hepatitis C Curable?

About 15% to 25% of people who are infected with the hepatitis C infection clear the virus on their own. Scientists are still trying to determine why some people clear hepatitis C infection and others go on to develop symptoms. There is no cure for an active or chronic hepatitis C infection, but sustained virologic response (SVR) - which means there is no detectable virus in the blood 6 months after treatment - is the next best thing. Hepatitis C infection rarely recurs in those who have achieved SVR.

Is There a Vaccine for Hepatitis C?

There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Research is ongoing to develop a vaccine against the virus. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Can Hepatitis C Be Prevented?

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection. To reduce the risk of infection, avoid sharing personal items (toothbrushes and razors) with others. Do not use injected drugs. If you do use injected drugs, never share needles and equipment with others. Getting tattoos and body piercings can put you at risk. Use condoms during sex. Health care workers should take precautions to avoid needlesticks and properly dispose of needles and other materials that come into contact with blood. Speak to your doctor about your risk factors and follow recommended screening standards for hepatitis C.