What should you know about curable hepatitis C treatments?

Treatment aims to clear hepatitis C from the bloodstream and reduce ongoing harm to the liver. The appropriate medicine depends on the virus type, previous treatment, liver scarring, kidney health and other medicines. A person may feel well before treatment, and fatigue may continue for reasons unrelated to the virus, so improvement in symptoms is not the test of cure.

Follow-up testing after treatment looks for detectable virus. Your clinician may also assess liver health, especially if there has been inflammation or scarring. Clearing the virus does not protect against catching hepatitis C again after a new blood exposure.

Arrange a GP Consultation to discuss testing and referral for treatment. Share your full medicine list and attend follow-up blood tests even if you feel better. Avoid sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes, and cover cuts. If liver disease has developed, continue the monitoring plan your clinician recommends after the virus is cleared.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, vomiting that prevents drinking, yellow skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling. Seek advice after a possible blood exposure, because repeat testing may be needed even after earlier treatment.

Ask which treatment fits your virus and liver health, how cure will be confirmed, when follow-up testing is due, whether you need ongoing liver checks and how to reduce the risk of reinfection. Ask which symptoms should prompt an urgent call.