Hepatitis C | Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Treatment of Hepatitis C

A) Acute Hepatitis

Most doctors believe that acute-phase hepatitis C should be given time to heal on its own. However, according to a study, it is preferable to treat acute hepatitis C before it converts into chronic hepatitis. In addition to the improved clinical outcomes, this decision is cost-effective.

B) Chronic Hepatitis

Despite a definitive treatment plan, doctors try to limit the activity of the virus and save the liver (as much as they can).

Several antiviral drugs are employed to manage chronic hepatitis C infection. Direct Antiviral therapy (DAA) has shown some promising results in the fight against chronic hepatitis C. Research suggests patients taking antiviral therapy showed betterment in the following fields:

    • Sleep disturbances
    • Pain
    • Depression
    • Fatigue
    • General wellbeing

Direct Antiviral (DAA) Therapy

The most commonly used antiviral medicines are:

– Ribavirin And Interferon

Previously Ribavirin and pegylated interferon injections used to be the mainstay of treating chronic hepatitis C infections. In addition, Telaprevir and boceprevir were used in Europe for managing this chronic ailment.

Another study found the combination of pegylated interferon and Ribavirin to be potent in alleviating symptoms of chronic hepatitis C.

Direct-acting antiviral therapy reduces mortality rate and the chances of conversion into hepatocellular carcinoma.

– Ledipasvir And Sofosbuvir

The pill containing two antiviral drugs, i.e., Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, is very effective. As per a study, the combo is effective and well-tolerated by chronic young hepatitis C patients between 6 and 11 years of age.

Excellent adherence to the drug and high efficacy was noted in a clinical trial, indicating the drug can be used in regular practice.

– Glecaprevir-pibrentasvir

The efficacy and safety of this particular combination of antiviral drugs are commendable, as confirmed by studies.

A partially randomized controlled trial also appreciates the safety profile of the drug combination.

There are more different combinations of antiviral drugs that can be used in the fight against chronic hepatitis C infections. The list of drugs includes:

    • Elbasvir and grazoprevir
    • Ombitasvir, paritaprevir, dasabuvir and ritonavir
    • Sofosbuvir with Elbasvir or grazoprevir
    • Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir
    • Sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and voxilaprevir