Treatment options
After being diagnosed with hepatitis C, you might undergo a period of follow-ups because 15-50% of patients experience spontaneous clearance of the infection. If you are still positive for hepatitis C after six months or experience symptoms that require immediate treatment, these are the options you can consider with your doctor:
- Antiviral agents: This is the most effective way to clear the infection. It works in 90% of people. They are oral medications you need to take for 8 to 12 weeks. It can be a single pill or several pills taken at once, depending on the type of hepatitis and your health parameters.
- Supportive treatment: Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may give you a specific treatment to solve a variety of conditions—for example, creams for pruritus and pain medications to reduce joint pain.
- Treatment of hepatitis C complications: Some patients already have advanced disease and require specialized treatment for cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Lifestyle modifications: Throughout this time, it is also important to eat a balanced diet, cut alcohol, quit smoking, and exercise regularly. Be careful when you have sexual intercourse, and do not share razors, syringes, needles, or razors with other people to prevent the spread of the disease.
