Early treatment of chronic hepatitis C is very important. Unless your body has fought off the infection by itself, which happens only in about 15% of cases, treatment may be needed to control chronic hepatitis C and to help reduce the chances of further liver damage. Sometimes, the treatment takes a long time to work, and sometimes it may not help. But because this disease can get worse over time, it is very important to seek proper treatment and care from your doctor.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. A significant percentage of people who are treated clear the hepatitis C virus from their systems and show improvements in their liver.

The goal of treatment for hepatitis C is to eliminate the virus from your body early to prevent its progression to serious, end-stage liver disease.

All the currently approved treatments for chronic hepatitis C include some form of natural or synthetic (manmade) alpha interferon. Alpha interferon is a protein made naturally by your body to boost your immune system and to regulate other cell functions. Most forms of alpha interferon only stay in the body for one day but they can be modified through a process called pegylation to make them stay in the body for a longer time. Although alpha interferons, including pegylated alpha interferons, can be used alone, studies have shown that a more effective approach is to use them in combination with an antiviral agent called ribavirin.

For more information on how chronic hepatitis C can be treated, talk to your doctor or health care professional.

See also:
FDA Approved Treatments for Hepatitis C