Hepatitis C is one of the categories of hepatitis, a liver disease that makes the liver swell, affecting food digestion and toxin excretion. The hepatitis C virus is the causative agent found in people infected with the disease. The mode of transmission is through blood, sex and from mother and baby during childbirth. Hepatitis C is treated with prescription drugs and alternative therapies.
Anemia
Anemia is one of the possible complications of ribavirin, an anti-viral medication used to treat hepatitis C, as described in the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. Ribavirin is an oral antiviral agent that acts on a broad range of viruses. Used alone, this drug is not very potent in treating HCV, which is why in most cases it is used in combination with other drugs. The use of ribavirin can potentially decrease the hemoglobin levels of the blood, minimizing the amount of oxygen that is carried through the body. Characteristics of anemia include cool and clammy skin, weakness and irritability.
Mild Bone Marrow Suppression
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, Mild bone marrow suppression is a potential complication of alpha interferon and peginterferon, both anti-viral medications indicated for hepatitis C infection. Bone marrow suppression generally causes a deficiency in blood cell production, affecting the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. With mild bone marrow suppression, the patient is at risk for developing moderate to life-threatening infections as well as bleeding. Infection control and bleeding precautions are indicated to avoid such complications.
Retinopathy
Retinopathy is an eye disorder that involves non-inflammatory damage to the retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye. Retinopathy is one of the possible complications of combined therapy for hepatitis C virus treatment. Combined therapy using interferon, peginterferon and ribavirin may affect the body's platelet production, which can lead to bleeding tendencies. Retinopathy is a manifestation of a micro hemorrhage.
