The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver inflammation that can then lead to liver problems, including cancer. Even if the hepatitis C virus isn’t causing symptoms for you, you still need to treat it. Treating the hepatitis C virus helps to lower your chances of complications such as dangerous liver issues.
There are different genotypes of HCV, Genotype 1 being the most common type in the United States. Which genotype you have will determine what treatment you get. Here is a list of some of the medications available for treat hepatitis C.
s
is a type of protein made by the body that helps the immune system to fight viruses, including HCV. s can also be simulated as a drug, including:
- peg alfa-2a (Pegasys)
- peg alfa-2b (PegIntron, Sylatron)
- alfa-2b (Intron A)
These drugs are injected by a healthcare provider, not by yourself. They are part of a combination treatment for genotypes 1, 2, and 3 of hepatitis C.
The pegs are made of plus another compound that makes the drug last longer in your body. The combination of and another compound also helps to reduce side effects of the treatment. The most common side effects include:
- anxiety
- dry mouth
- excessive fatigue
- headache
- mood changes or depression
- weight loss
- worsening hepatitis symptoms
The more serious side effects include:
- autoimmune disease
- reduced red blood cell levels
- reduced white blood cell levels
- high blood pressure
- reduced thyroid function
- changes in vision
- liver disease
- lung disease
- inflammation of bowel or pancreas
- allergic reaction
- slowed growth in children
Ribavirin
Ribavirin stops viruses from replicating and spreading.
Ribavirin is used in combination with an to help treat genotypes 1, 2, or 3 of hepatitis C. Sometimes, it is used with an as well as a protease inhibitor. This is what is called triple therapy.
Ribavirin is an oral drug that can be in the form of a capsule, tablet, or solution. Brand names include:
- Copegus
- Moderiba
- Rebetol
- Ribasphere
- Ribasphere RibaPak
Ribavirin may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy or taken during conceiving.
Talk to your Doctor
There are other treatments, besides the ones mentioned above, for hepatitis C. Talk to your doctor to find the one that’s right for you.
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