How is hepatitis C (HCV) treated?

Interferon has long been the standard treatment strategy for hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, very few patients are still treated with interferon alone. Interferon, of which three types are currently available, has many side effects. These can include lower blood count of both white blood cells and platelets, altered thyroid function, flu-like symptoms, depression, and fatigue. As a result, the therapy is difficult for some patients, and not recommended for others.

Ribavirin is used in combination with interferon to combat HCV. When combined with interferon, ribavirin's success rate in eliminating HCV is about 40%. It does have side effects including hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), which can make the medication unsuitable for patients with anemia, heart disease, or renal problems.

A form of interferon called "pegylated" can be taken once each week, with fewer side effects than regular interferon. Pegylated interferon is currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat hepatitis C on its own, but clinical trials combining it with ribavirin show promise in future management of HCV. New drugs similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs are being found more effective.

A vaccine to prevent hepatitis C is currently unavailable, but the symptoms may be medically managed by using antiviral drugs. Treatment in the acute phase yields a better success rate (greater than 90%) with a shorter duration of treatment than treatment in the chronic stage. Also, patients with low viral loads respond better to treatment than those with higher viral loads.

Although antiviral therapy may be beneficial, it has not been approved for children. Interferon-α therapy has not been shown to be effective in adults and has shown a sustained response in only 10 to 15% of cases. A combination of interferon-α and the antiviral drug ribavirin is effective, however, with 40 to 50% of the treated cases showing a sustained response.

Several integrative therapies have been used to maintain the function of the liver rather than treating the virus, thereby delaying the progression of the infection. Extracts of Silybum marianum and Sho-saiko-to have been shown to improve liver function in HCV-infected patients by their antiviral effects.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Treatment for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has typically been treated with interferon and Ribavirin. This year two new therapies with improved effectiveness have been approved for the treatment of Hepatitis C, boceprevir and telaprevir. These new drugs are used in conjunction with interferon and ribavirin.

Combination drug therapy with the antiviral drug, ribavirin, and pegylated interferon (a type of interferon treated to remain in the body longer) is the approved treatment for HCV. Patients with genotype 2 and 3 will usually have 24 weeks of combination therapy, and those with genotype 1 – the most common type – usually receive 48 weeks of treatment.

Side-effects of interferon treatment include flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, headache, rapid heartbeat, and muscle and joint pain when first treated. Subsequent side-effects may include fatigue, cognitive problems, depression, irritability, and low blood count. More severe side-effects are rare, and include hearing loss, lung problems, suicidal thoughts, seizures, worsening of liver disease, and acute kidney or heat failure. About 40% of patients will require a reduction in interferon dose because of severe side-effects, and about 15% stop treatment.

Side-effects of combination treatment include severe anemia and kidney failure.

Current therapies involve three types of interferon, and combinations of interferon with ribavirin.

These treatments can be associated with serious side effects, including depression, flu-like symptoms, nausea, headaches, and blood abnormalities.

For years hepatitis C (HCV) has been treated with weekly interferon injections. In this video, liver transplant surgeon Dr. Robert Brown discusses newer treatments for HCV that have fewer side effects -- and better cure rates.