Hepatitis C
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
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Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Antiviral medicines
help control HCV. These medicines will not get rid of the virus, but they can make it inactive in your body. Antivirals can also shorten the amount of time you have symptoms or make them less severe. You will need to take a combination of antivirals for at least 8 to 12 weeks.
Tests:
- Blood tests are used to check for HCV antibodies made by your body to fight the infection. The tests can show the type and amount of HCV you have. This will help your provider make a treatment plan.
- A liver biopsy is used to take a sample of your liver. Tests on the sample will show the type of HCV you have and if the infection is severe.
- An endoscopy or a CT scan may be needed to check for liver disease and to check your liver function.
Treatment:
- Plasma or platelet transfusions may be needed if your blood is not clotting as it should. Plasma and platelets are parts of your blood that help your blood clot. You will get the transfusion through an IV.
- Surgery may be done to remove part of your liver. A liver transplant may be done if your liver stops working.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
Even with treatment, hepatitis C can damage your liver. You may develop cirrhosis or portal hypertension (increased pressure in the vein that goes to your liver) or liver failure. You may need a liver transplant if the damage is severe. Liver disease may lead to increased pressure in your brain.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Hepatitis C
Treatment options
- Medications for Hepatitis C
- Medications for Infectious Hepatitis
- Medications for Infectious Hepatitis with Coma
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.