Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that is simply called the "hepatitis C virus." It is spread by contact with the blood of someone who has the infection, explains the Directors of Health Promotion and Education. Hepatitis C can damage the liver. There is no treatment for the initial, acute phase of the illness. Occasionally, the virus resolves after the acute phase, but it becomes a chronic illness for most individuals. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that around 3.2 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C, for which there are several treatments.
Pegylated Interferon
Pegylated interferon is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for hepatitis C. It is taken weekly as an injection into the fat layer under the skin, explains the “2010 Lippincott’s Nursing Drug Guide.” Also called peginterferon, the medication is typically taken for 24 to 48 weeks. It works by killing the cells that are infected with the hepatitis C virus. Pegylated interferon is interferon with polyethyene glycol added. This addition allows it to remain in the body without being destroyed by the immune system for a longer period of time than interferon alone.
Ribavirin
Ribavirin is an antiviral medication that is taken with pegylated interferon, also for 24 to 48 weeks. It is available as a capsule or tablet that is typically taken as two or three pills twice a day. Ribavirin helps to stop the spread of hepatitis C within the body. While pegylated interferon is sometimes taken alone for chronic hepatitis C, ribavirin is not taken without some type of interferon.
Liver Transplant
Chronic hepatitis C sometimes damages the liver so badly that a liver transplant is required for survival. This complicated procedure replaces the damaged liver with one from a donor, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Medication for chronic hepatitis C may be taken to prevent the virus from attacking the new liver.
Clinical Trials
Some individuals choose to enroll in clinical trials for chronic hepatitis C. This may be the only option for those who do not respond to pegylated interferon and ribavirin and who do not qualify for a liver transplant. Some people explore clinical trials due to liver damage or an inability to tolerate the side effects of standard treatment. The National Institutes of Health maintains an online database of all clinical trials, including those for hepatitis C.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Treatment of Uncomplicated Chronic HCV Infection
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Hepatitis C
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Hepatitis C
- Directors of Health Promotion and Education: Hepatitis C
- “2010 Lippincott’s Nursing Drug Guide”; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
