Hepatitis C Medications
- Interferon, given by injection, is a genetically engineered product based on natural immune system proteins found in the body.
- Pegylated interferron is a long-acting form of interferon that can be injected once, rather than three times, per week. It maintains a more constant level of interferon in the blood and is better able to reduce HCV replication.
- Ribavirin is an oral antiviral medication used in combination with interferon and HCV inhibitors to treat hepatitis C. Ribavirin alone is not effective against HCV, but helps to enhance the antiviral effects of treatment.
- HCV inhibitors, also called direct acting antivirals (DAAs), are approved to treat chronic hepatitis C.
- Current standard of care: The current standard of care is a combination of HCV inhibitors with and without ribavirin.
Treatment Response Terms and Monitoring
- Before and during treatment: A viral load test will be given before the start of therapy and at certain time points during and after therapy.
- Additional tests: Additional blood work is given during treatment to monitor the health of the person undergoing treatment.
- End of treatment: Undetectable viral load at the end of a course of therapy is called end-of-treatment (EOT) response.
- 12 – 24 weeks post treatment: If HCV RNA remains undetectable 12 to 24 weeks after completing treatment this is called a sustained virological response (SVR), which is considered a viral cure.
Next: Treatment of Hepatitis C