 |
|
|
At present, the treatment approach recommended by the National Institutes of Health for patients newly diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C is pegylated alpha interferons in combination with the antiviral drug ribavirin. Three agents are used in this treatment approach:
- Alpha Interferons. A protein made naturally by your body to boost your immune system and to regulate other cell functions. All of the currently approved treatments for chronic hepatitis C include some form of natural or synthetic (manmade) alpha interferon. Learn more about alpha interferons.
- Pegylated Alpha Interferons. Made by attaching a large water-soluble molecule called polyethylene glycol (abbreviated PEG) to the alpha interferon molecule. These modified alpha interferons stay in the body longer, and studies show they are more effective in producing a sustained viral response in patients with chronic hepatitis C than their nonpegylated counterparts. Learn more about pegylated alpha interferons.
- Ribavirin. An antiviral drug that is used with manufactured forms of alpha interferon for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Ribavirin by itself has not been shown to be effective against the hepatitis C virus, but in combination with forms of alpha interferon, it is much more active than alpha interferon alone. Learn more about ribavirin.
These therapies have been approved based on their ability to produce a sustained viral response in patients with chronic hepatitis C. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, contact The Be In Charge® Program for more information about your treatment options. (A patient is said to have a sustained viral response if the amount of hepatitis C virus is so low that it can no longer be detected with standard HCV RNA tests and if the virus levels are undetectable even 6 months after completing treatment.)
|
|
|
|
