There are new hepatitis C treatments that are much more tolerable than the previous ones, so I am happy to provide some more information on that.
You’re right, there have been some significant changes in Hep C treatments in the last few years, and now DAA’s (direct acting antiretrovirals) are commonly available. These can be easier to take, have fewer side effects and are taken for a shorter time than previous medications. Plus, they cure more people of Hep C than the older drugs.
Hep C treatment is still a big step, so you should talk with your doctor about your ability to manage medication, if you are planning to become pregnant, or any other health conditions that you have. Which treatment is right for you will depend on these things, so you and your medical team will have to consider these factors. Paying for the treatment may also need to be factored in to the treatment decision.
Research is ongoing and treatment options may continue to develop and change. The goal of new treatments are usually to help people tolerate medications better, shorten treatment time, and increase the number of people who are cured.
CATIE.ca has some great resources like:
- Getting Started; Important Things to Know when You Have Hep C
- Six things to know about Hep C
- Hep C can be cured
I encourage you to take any questions you have to your doctor or nurse, who can give you a better idea of what to expect on treatment. In the end it is always your decision whether or not to start treatment, but the more information you have, the better informed your decision will be.
