What is the current treatment for hepatitis C?
Chronic hepatitis C affects about 4% of the U.S population. Many of these patients are unaware that they are infected as the condition causes no symptoms for many years. Unfortunately a significant proportion of these individuals later develop life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. These serious sequelae can be prevented by early treatment aimed at eradicating the virus. Current treatment includes weekly injections with interferon and daily tablets for 6 months to 1 1/2 yearsresulting in cure rates of 50 to 90%, depending on the type of hepatitis C. If you feel you may have been at risk for contracting this infection, ask to be tested, as effective treatment is available.
