When should you worry about jaundice if you have hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C can inflame the liver and alter bilirubin handling, leading to yellow eyes or skin, dark urine and pale stools. Tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite or discomfort in the upper abdomen may accompany it. Because hepatitis C may be quiet for a long time, new jaundice deserves a medical review rather than watchful waiting.

A clinician may check liver function, review medicines and supplements, and assess for other causes of yellowing. Bring details of your hepatitis C care and any recent changes in symptoms.

Contact your clinician promptly and explain when the colour change started. Avoid alcohol and ask before taking non-prescribed pain medicines or herbal products. Continue prescribed treatment unless your clinician tells you otherwise. Drink fluids and note changes in urine, stools, pain, vomiting, swelling or alertness.

Go to emergency care for confusion, unusual sleepiness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding, severe weakness or inability to keep fluids down. Get urgent review if jaundice is rapidly worsening, urine output falls markedly, or you develop fever with a sudden deterioration.

Ask which liver tests and scans are appropriate, whether treatment or medicines need adjustment, and how quickly you need follow-up. Ask what symptoms indicate liver failure or another urgent problem.