Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Header block
cropper
update

1-800-773-7066

add Row
add block
Block 4
Row 1
5 Minutes Read

Is There A Cure For Hepatitis C? 

Hepatitis C is an infectious liver condition that can cause severe liver damage if not managed appropriately. Fortunately, newer medications for Hepatitis C have made it possible to manage this condition effectively.


Hepatitis C is entirely treatable using newer Direct-Acting Antiviral drugs, or DAA for short. The DAA regime acts directly against the virus and eliminates it from the bloodstream. Once the viral load is sized down to undetectable levels for at least 12 weeks after stopping treatment, Hepatitis C is said to be cured.


The use of these newer drugs has made it possible to increase the treatment efficacy significantly. The cure rate for Hepatitis C has gone up to more than 90% with DAAs compared to less than 50% with the older generation of drugs for Hepatitis C.


HOW IS HEPATITIS C TREATED – AND CURED?

Hepatitis C is one of the most notorious viruses that causes liver inflammation. There is no vaccine for this virus, and it is also fairly common around the world. Knowing the stubborn nature of the virus and its prevalence worldwide, it is promising that treatment could effectively cure people of the disease. Fortunately, that is exactly what DAAs are supposed to do.


Previously, treating Hepatitis C used to be extremely difficult. The cure rate was less than 50% with interferons and ribavirin. Additionally, these drugs were administered in injection form and had terrible side effects for the patient. However, the newer generation of antiviral drugs has changed the course of Hepatitis C treatment.


Direct Acting Antiviral drugs have the benefit of having a more accessible mode of administration. Unlike interferons and ribavirin, DAAs like sofosbuvir can be taken orally. An easier mode of administration proves helpful in increasing the patient's drug adherence as well.


Unlike interferons and ribavirin, DAAs attack the virus directly to decrease the virus particles in your bloodstream. Decreasing the number of virus particles in your blood, or the "viral load," is the key to Hepatitis C treatment. Treatment with DAAs continues for at least eight weeks and may extend up to 24 weeks, depending on your current health status. Undetectable viral load lasting at least 12 weeks after the treatment has stopped - also known as a sustained virologic response - indicates that the disease has been cured. The duration of your Hepatitis C treatment depends on the genotype of the virus, the condition of your liver, and any comorbid conditions that you may have. Your doctor may carry out several blood tests to confirm your viral load status. A liver biopsy may also be necessary to ascertain the extent of liver damage before starting treatment in certain conditions.


HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE TREATMENT WITH DIRECT-ACTING ANTIVIRAL DRUGS?

It is estimated that Direct-Acting Antiviral drugs have a 95% cure rate. This is a huge jump compared to the 50% cure rate of the previous generation of medicines. Moreover, DAAs also have a significantly less harmful side effect profile.


However, it is essential to note that successful treatment does not give you immunity against all genotypes of Hepatitis C. Someone with a successful treatment history for Hepatitis C can still catch it again. A lack of vaccines can also complicate things further. 


For maximum protection against Hepatitis C, it is best to limit your exposure to the virus as much as possible. Here are some prevention methods that you can take to protect yourself from Hepatitis C:

  • Implement safe sex practices
  • Avoid using needles for drug use
  • Avoid sharing needles with other people
  • Avoid getting tattoos and piercings from places without an official health safety rating


While the treatment with DAAs itself is effective, you can take some steps to improve your health further. These include:

  • Getting regular exercise
  • Consuming a healthy and balanced diet
  • Ceasing smoking
  • Limiting alcohol intake


WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEW MEDICATIONS IN THE DAA REGIME?

There are multiple drug combinations available in the DAA regime. All these drug combinations are effective against different genotypes of the disease-causing virus. Your doctor may employ any one of the following combinations based on the genotype of the virus and the state of your liver:

  • Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir
  • Elbasvir-grazoprevir
  • Plecaprevir-pibrentasvir
  • Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir
  • Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir 


WILL THIS TREATMENT WORK FOR ME IF I HAVE ADVANCED LIVER DISEASE?

Advanced liver disease means that the virus may have damaged your liver beyond repair. Liver cirrhosis, which is the fibrosis of the liver, is a result of advanced liver disease. While direct-acting antiviral medication may help remove the cause of liver inflammation, it cannot reverse the fibrosis of your liver. 

A liver transplant and a DAA regime may become essential in cases of advanced liver disease to manage the condition effectively.


SIDE EFFECTS OF THE DAA REGIME

Side effects of the DAA regime are mild. Most people tolerate this drug regime rather well. A more accessible mode of administration also makes it an easy choice for patients with Hepatitis C. 


At the onset of treatment, mild malaise, fever, and trouble sleeping may arise. These are side effects of the medication and settle down on their own without any intervention. If the side effects continue, your doctor may be able to help you manage them much more effectively.


However, other people might experience more than just insomnia and fever. Other common side effects of the DAA regime include:

  • Depressive disorder
  • Skin problems
  • Anxiety and paranoia 
  • Anorexia
  • Lethargy and fatigue
  • Alopecia
  • Behavioral changes


Although concerning, these side effects are infrequent with DAAs and can be managed easily with the help of your healthcare provider. Discontinuing drugs at the onset of side effects is not recommended. Completion of the entire course of drugs is essential for eliminating the Hepatitis virus from your body.


However, if your side effects increase in both frequency and intensity, contact your healthcare provider. Your doctor may be able to guide you better on how to deal with your side effects more effectively. They may also change your drug regime to better suit your needs and your daily routine.


Hepatitis C

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
05.29.2023

How Can You Cure an STD Without Going to the Doctor?

Can you cure an STD at home? No, there is no scientific evidence to support this.The only effective cure against all STDs is to get tested as soon as possible and take medication designed to kill the pathogen causing the disease.Antibiotics and antiviral drugs are effective in treating several different STDs.There is no other proven alternative therapy for sexually transmitted diseases.What happens if an STD is left untreated? It can progress and cause more damage to the body.Getting treatment for an STD is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you.The best thing to do if you experience any symptoms of an STD is to visit your healthcare provider.You can protect yourself from ever acquiring an STD by taking precautionary measures such as wearing a new condom before every sexual encounter and getting tested for STDs regularly.
05.24.2023

Can You Catch Herpes More Than Once?

Herpes: Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2, which can cause herpes infections through oral and genital contact.Catching Herpes More Than Once: It's possible to catch herpes again even if you've had it before, but chances are slim. Reinfection with herpes is rare.Recurrence vs Reinfection:Recurrence: This happens when a past herpes infection resurfaces, triggering the same symptoms without new exposure to the virus. It's linked to the virus living dormant in the body, often in the ganglions, and resurfacing due to certain triggers.Reinfection: This is when a person is re-exposed to the herpes virus, resulting in a new disease process. It requires a new exposure event and can occur with different HSV strains.Recurrence with HSV-2: Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause recurring infections, but HSV-2 is more strongly associated with recurrence over the years. Recurrences may be triggered by stress, other health conditions, and other STIs.Reinfection with Another Strain: You can get re-infected with herpes, including a different HSV strain. This is because having herpes once doesn't provide lifelong immunity against the virus. The antibodies produced during the initial infection mainly tackle the initial infection but offer little protection against future infections.Prevention Measures: Reinfections can be avoided by practicing safe-sex behaviors, which include:Using a condom before every sexual actUsing a new condom with a new partner every timeLimiting the number of sexual partnersRegularly getting tested for STDs.
05.19.2023

Why Are STDs So Common In Florida?

Florida is a popular tourist destination with warm weather, sandy beaches, and a lively nightlife. However, the state is also known for its high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In this article, we will explore why STDs are so common in Florida. One of the main reasons for high STD rates in Florida is the lack of sex education in schools. According to the Guttmacher Institute, only 26 states in the US mandate sex education in schools, and Florida is not one of them. Even in schools that do offer sex education, the quality and comprehensiveness of the curriculum can vary widely. Without adequate education, people may not know how to protect themselves from STDs or understand the importance of regular testing.Another factor contributing to high STD rates in Florida is the lack of access to healthcare, particularly among low-income and uninsured individuals. Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured people in the country, which can make it difficult for them to access healthcare services, including STD testing and treatment. This lack of access can lead to untreated infections, which can then be passed on to others. This is why IMG Health Clinic was founded.Additionally, Florida has a large population of older adults who may not have received sex education when they were in school and may not be as comfortable discussing sexual health with their healthcare providers. This can lead to a lack of testing and treatment, which can contribute to the spread of STDs. Another factor that contributes to high STD rates in Florida is the state's tourism industry. Millions of visitors come to Florida each year, many of whom are looking for a good time and may engage in risky sexual behaviors. This can lead to a higher prevalence of STDs in the state, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Miami and Orlando.Finally, the stigma surrounding STDs can also contribute to their spread. Many people may be hesitant to get tested or disclose their infection status to their sexual partners for fear of judgment or rejection. This can lead to the continued spread of STDs and can make it difficult to control their prevalence.To address the high rates of STDs in Florida, it is important to increase access to comprehensive sex education and healthcare services, particularly among low-income and uninsured individuals. It is also important to reduce the stigma surrounding STDs and encourage regular testing and treatment. By taking these steps, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of STDs in Florida and improving the overall sexual health of its residents and visitors.If you or someone you know is concerned about possible infection, please contact your physician or IMG Health Clinic immediately.
add Row
add block