Hepatitis C medication, namely peginterferon and ribavirin, is usually taken for several months. This part of the eMedTV library explains the two types of hepatitis C medication, how they work, and the possible side effects of hepatitis C medication.
Following your hepatitis C treatment program requires dedication, as it may take a year to clear the virus. This eMedTV page explains the role of exercise, hydration, and avoiding harmful substances in following your hepatitis C treatment program.
It's important for Pegasys injections to be given at the same time every week. This eMedTV article offers detailed instructions for giving Pegasys injections, including how to prepare the syringe, inject the peginterferon, and dispose of needles.
Pegasys is a brand of peginterferon used to treat hepatitis C and hepatitis B. As this eMedTV Web page explains, Pegasys is injected once a week and often comes in an injection kit containing written instructions, syringes, and a sharps container.
This eMedTV page covers why HCV combination therapy shouldn't be taken by pregnant women or anyone with a recent history of substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, or severe depression. It also lists possible interactions for peginterferon and ribavirin.
It's estimated that up to 50% of people with genotype 1 HCV will have a successful response to hepatitis C treatment. This eMedTV resource explores how genotype -- as well as viral load and levels of liver damage -- can impact hepatitis C treatment.
African Americans may have lower success rates with hepatitis C treatment. As this eMedTV article describes, this is because over 90% of African Americans with hepatitis C have the genotype 1 virus, which is more resistant to hepatitis C treatment.
Seniors who are receiving hepatitis C treatment may experience worse side effects than younger patients. This part of the eMedTV archives also discusses several factors (such as race and gender) that can influence hepatitis C treatment in seniors.
Side effects during hepatitis C treatment may include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and nausea. This eMedTV Web page describes these and other common side effects that may develop during hepatitis C treatment and links to in-depth articles.
People who take combination therapy for their hepatitis C often feel like they have the flu. This part of the eMedTV library discusses these flu-like symptoms (aches, chills, headache, fever) and how to reduce this side effect of combination therapy.
When taking combination therapy for hepatitis C, it's common to feel fatigue and weakness. This eMedTV resource covers this effect of combination therapy and offers tips for overcoming fatigue, like getting enough rest, exercise, and fluids.
Feelings of depression can occur in some people who take combination therapy for hepatitis C. As this eMedTV article explains, mood swings, irritability, and confusion or anxiety are also relatively common in those taking combination therapy.
Combination therapy for hepatitis C treatment may lead to nausea or loss of appetite. As this eMedTV page explains, feelings of nausea or appetite loss may also be caused by the hepatitis C virus itself. Smaller, more frequent meals may be helpful.
Weight loss can occur in people who are taking combination therapy for hepatitis C. This page on the eMedTV site discusses ways to combat weight loss, including the use of nutritional drinks and eating smaller and more frequent meals.
Dry skin, rashes, and other irritation can occur with combination therapy for hepatitis C. This portion of the eMedTV archives describes these potential side effects and the lotions or creams your healthcare provider may prescribe to treat them.
Taking peginterferon as treatment for hepatitis C may contribute to thinning hair. This eMedTV Web page explores this potential side effect of combination therapy, and offers tips -- such as using baby shampoo -- for dealing with thinning hair.
Decreased blood cell counts can occur in those who take combination therapy for hepatitis C treatment. As this section of the eMedTV library explains, a decrease in red blood cells, white cells, or platelets can cause fatigue, infection, or bleeding.
Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and violent behavior are all rare (but possible) side effects of combination therapy for hepatitis C. This eMedTV article covers these and other serious side effects of the therapy -- such as severe depression.
For those with diabetes, combination therapy for hepatitis C treatment can present additional risks and challenges. As this eMedTV segment explains, the therapy can make it harder to control glucose levels and may increase the risk of eye problems.
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