Hepatitis C is a chronic liver disease caused by a virus. Hep C has no cure; however, there are treatment options that may slow the progression of the disease. Interferon injections are the most common treatment, but they produce severe side effects such as weight loss, depression and flu-like symptoms.
Hepatitis C
According to Medline Plus, hepatitis C, or HCV, is one of many types of hepatitis. It is commonly spread through contact with infected blood or sex with an HCV infected person. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during birth. If you think you may have been exposed to HCV, a simple blood test can check for the disease. If you have HCV, you may be symptom-free for years and it does not go away by itself. In addition, HCV may last a lifetime and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Hepatitis C Treatment
Antiviral medications are the only treatment available for HCV. According to the Mayo Clinic, hepatitis C is treated with antiviral drugs to kill the virus in your body. A combination of medications taken over a long period may be prescribed. After you complete a course of antiviral medications, your blood will be tested to see if HCV is still present. If the virus is still present, your doctor may prescribe another round of treatments.
Treatment Symptoms
HCV treatment causes severe side effects. According to Pegasys.Com, the manufacturer of interferon, most patients treated with interferon experience at least one side effect. There is a risk that the side effects can become serious, so talk to your doctor if you experience any severe reactions. Side effects may include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, upset stomach, nausea, taste changes, diarrhea, blood sugar problems, diabetes and loss of appetite and weight loss.
HCV Treatment and Weight Loss
Treatment for HCV with interferon can lead to weight loss. The symptoms from the treatment may adversely affect your appetite, causing a change in eating habits. Nausea, upset stomach and taste changes may lead to a lack of interest in food causing a general loss of appetite and weight loss. Blood sugar issues and diabetes might be problem with interferon treatment and can result in metabolism problems and weight loss. These symptoms resolve after the treatment is discontinued.
Member Comments