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Treatments for Hepatitis C

Treatments for Hepatitis C

Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral drugs help clear the virus from the body. The aim of this treatment is to make sure that there is no hepatitis c virus left in your body 12 weeks after the completion of the treatment.

These antiviral drugs are called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) [2]. They are presently the standard drugs used to care for chronic HCV infections. DAAs which are oral drugs, attack the Hepatitis C virus directly.

Ribavirin

RIBAVIRIN is a drug that stops the replication and spreading of the Hepatitis C virus. It comes in the form of an oral capsule and is available in several strengths. Rebetol is the most common brand name of ribavirin. Ribavirin shouldn’t be used by a pregnant woman because it may cause birth defects. If the father is using this drug while the child is conceived, there could also be birth defects.

Avoid Unprescribed Medications

To cure hepatitis C infection, a person must be very conscious of the kinds of drugs and medications being used in that period. Every drug must be prescribed and suggested by the doctor. Any vitamin or dietary supplements or herbal drugs, over-the-counter medications must be taken to the doctor, who would review them and decide which ones can be taken and those that should be disposed of. Also be wary of supplements like valerian, kava, comfrey, and skullcap.

Interferon

Interferon is a protein made by the body that helps develop an immune response to viruses in the immune system. Hepatitis C virus is an example of such a virus. Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) is a popular brand name interferon.