What Are the Benefits of Being Compliant to the Hepatitis C Treatment Program?

The main goals of the treatments for hepatitis C are to clear the virus from the blood and improve the condition of the liver. To improve the chances of achieving these goals, people with hepatitis C will need to take their medications exactly as their healthcare provider prescribes them.

 

Most people taking peginterferon and ribavirin will be on the therapy for at least 6 months to a year. This may seem like a long time, but the hepatitis C virus has been in the person's body for much longer than that. Staying focused on the ultimate goal -- improving the condition of the liver -- can help people stay motivated throughout the course of their therapy.

 

Studies have shown that about 40 to 80 percent of people have a successful response to treatment with combination therapy. This means that no trace of the hepatitis C virus can be detected in their blood 6 months after finishing the treatment. Each person's response to the peginterferon and ribavirin (if prescribed) will depend on several factors. Following the doctor's treatment instructions is a critical part of being a compliant patient, and can ultimately impact the chances of having a successful treatment.