From the Guidelines
Hepatitis C infection can be effectively managed and cured with modern treatments, and it is crucial to prioritize early diagnosis and treatment to prevent liver damage and potential complications. Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Here's a comprehensive overview:
Cause and Risk Factors
Cause: Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which spreads through contact with infected blood 1. Risk factors:
- Intravenous drug use
- Receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992
- Being born to a mother with hepatitis C
- Unsterile tattoo or piercing procedures
- Healthcare workers exposed to infected blood
- Having HIV
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures:
- Avoid sharing needles or personal items that may have blood on them
- Practice safe sex
- Get tested if you're at risk
- There is no vaccine for hepatitis C
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms: Many people don't experience symptoms initially. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Treatment
The standard treatment for hepatitis C involves direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications, such as Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (Epclusa) or Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret), which have cure rates of over 95% for most genotypes of HCV 1. The specific regimen and duration depend on the virus genotype, liver condition, and previous treatments. It's crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed. Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests will be necessary to monitor liver function and confirm the virus has been eliminated, as guided by the EASL position paper on clinical follow-up after HCV cure 1. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing liver damage and potential complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer. If you suspect exposure or are at risk, consult a healthcare provider for testing and potential treatment options.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Causes and Risk Factors
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that can be transmitted through unsafe injection drug use and unsterile medical procedures (iatrogenic infections) 2, 3
- The virus is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact 3
- Major risk factors for HCV infection include unsafe injection drug use and unsterile medical procedures in countries with high HCV prevalence 2
Preventive Measures
- There is no effective vaccine available for HCV infection, making treatment-as-prevention strategies and effective screening programs crucial for controlling the pandemic 2, 3, 4
- Practicing safe injection drug use and ensuring sterile medical procedures can help prevent the spread of HCV 2, 3
- Patients with cirrhosis must be taught to practice liver wellness following HCV cure to lower the risk of progression of their liver disease 5
Signs and Symptoms
- HCV infection can cause progressive liver damage, leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma 2, 3, 6
- Chronic HCV infection can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma 6, 5
- Patients with cirrhosis may experience complications such as ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, bleeding varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome 5
Treatment Options
- Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have become available, which target three proteins involved in crucial steps of the HCV life cycle: the NS3/4A protease, the NS5A protein, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5B protein 2, 3
- Combination therapies using two or three DAAs can cure HCV infection in >90% of patients, including populations that have been difficult to treat in the past 2, 3
- Treatment with DAAs can improve response rates for patients with cirrhosis, although rates are still slightly lower than those for patients without cirrhosis 5
- Anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective agents with anti-HCV effects may be used in conjunction with DAAs to treat advanced HCV infection and reduce the risk of liver injury and disease progression 6