Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. There are six known hepatitis viruses. While the disease is often asymptomatic, hepatitis C can cause liver inflammation. Later complications of hepatitis C include cirrhosis and liver cancerhttp://hepatitis.about.com/od/treatment/f/Peginterferon.htm

On September 7, 2010 the FDA halted experimental studies being conducted by a Cambridge, Massachussettes based biopharmaceutical company, Idenix. The studies were formally put on a clinical hold by the FDA based on Idenix's reports of liver function side effects in study subjects; individuals with normally functioning livers. Of note, the individuals' liver function has returned back to normal since being removed from the study.http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9I37KT00.htm

Hepatitis C is not curable but there are treatments that can reduce the risk of further damage to overall health. Some of the best treatment comes from being informed about what Hepatitis C is, its effects on the body and the damage it can cause.

Patients with Hepatitis C are cautioned about drinking alcohol or taking drugs (even prescribed drugs should be authorized by your doctor before continuing their use. During a patient's evaluation, a doctor will typically order a liver biopsy. This will help determine the amount of damage that may have occurred to the liver and what forms of further treatments can be done.http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/hepc-guide/hepatitis-c-treatment-overview

Currently, treatment methods involve the use of Peginterferon along with Ribavirin. Peginterferon is a weekly shot. Ribavirin is a pill taken 2 times a day. Like many medications Peginterferon and Ribavirin do have potential side effects.http://hepatitis.about.com/od/treatment/f/Peginterferon.htm

A few statistics associated with Hepatitis C are:http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/index.htm

1. Approx 3.2 million suffer from chronic Hepatits C
2. New cases of Hepatitis C per year are approximately 17,000
3. Deaths: 10,000-20,000 per year
4. Most common chronic bloodborne infectection in the U.S.
5. Most common reason for liver transplant
6. Leading cause of liver cancer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.