How Will My Provider Monitor Me During The Treatment
Your provider will meet with you during treatment to review how well you are tolerating treatment and review laboratory results. Laboratory tests help keep tabs on your health, track the viral load, and determine your response to treatment. You will be given specific dates to go get your blood tested at the lab during and after the treatment.
What Are The Names Of The Medications For Treating Hepatitis C
Since 2014, multiple different antiviral treatments for hepatitis C have been developed. With the many options now available, often there is more than one good choice for a patient. Some of the treatments are recommended as first-line options, some are second-line options, and others are used less commonly in light of all the available choices.
- Elbasvir/Grazoprevir
Second line hepatitis C medications:
- Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxelaprevir
How Homeopathy Can Help Treat Acute Liver Diseases
Pintrest-By Dr. Kushal Banerjee, M.D. , M.Sc. DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICEThe information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this article is to promote a broader understanding of homeopathy in the treatment of various health conditions. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
Also Check: How Can Someone Contract Hepatitis C
Causes Of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus .
You can catch hepatitis C if the blood of someone who has hepatitis C enters your body. Exposure may occur:
- After a needle stick or sharp injury
- If blood from someone who has hepatitis C contacts a cut on your skin or contacts your eyes or mouth
People at risk of hepatitis C are those who:
- Inject street drugs or share a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
- Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
- Have regular contact with blood at work
- Have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C
- Were born to a mother who had hepatitis C
- Received a tattoo or acupuncture with needles that were not disinfected properly after being used on another person
- Received an organ transplant from a donor who has hepatitis C
If You Notice Symptoms See A Doctor Right Away
Symptoms of hepatitis C include the following:
- Jaundice a yellowish tone to the eyes and skin
- Mild, chronic right belly pain
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
If you believe you have been exposed to hepatitis C or notice any symptoms, visit your primary care doctor as soon as possible. If you test positive for the virus, your doctor can refer you to a hepatologist to discuss your options.
“I strongly encourage all baby boomers and others who are at high risk to get tested, even if you don’t look or feel sick,” Reau says. “If you do have hepatitis C, the earlier we discover it, the more likely we can prevent it from progressing and causing more serious damage.”
Recommended Reading: How Can You Catch Hepatitis A
What Is Hepatitis C
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver.
It results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus , which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C can be either acute or chronic.
Berberis Vulgaris And Chionanthus For Liver Problem Such As Gall Stones
A gall stone is really a calculus formed within the gall bladder. Gall stones are formed due to concretion of the bile components. A person may experience intense pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The most effective among medicines for liver problems such as these are Berberis Vulgaris and Chionanthus. Berberis Vulgaris is the most prescribed medicine for gall stones. Sharp pains in the region of the gall bladder are treated well with Berberis Vulgaris. Chionanthus is another excellent medicine for gall stones with soreness in the liver region. Gall stones and bilious colic accompanied by jaundice are also treated very well with Chionanthus, making it one of the top-rated medicines for liver problems.
You May Like: What Is Hepatic Metastatic Disease
Who Should Get Tested
One of my patients, whom Ill call John, never had acute hepatitis, but he thinks he was infected in the early 1970s, when he used intravenous drugs brieflyjust a few times! Sharing contaminated needles is one way you can get hepatitis C. Blood transfusions given around 1992, prior to the time we had tests to detect this virus, are another cause. Unsafe sexual practices are another possible risk factor. However, in up to 40 percent of the cases of hepatitis C, no clearly identifiable risk factor can be found.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should have a test for hepatitis C if you:
Have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you did so only a few times or many years ago. Were treated for clotting problems with a blood product made before 1987, when more advanced manufacturing methods were developed. Have been notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C. Had a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July 1992, when better testing became available. Are a long-term hemodialysis patient. Have signs or symptoms of liver disease . Are a health-care worker who has been exposed to HCV-positive blood. Are a child born to an HCV-positive woman.
Sofosbuvir Velpatasvir And Voxilapresvir
This drug combination is similar to Epclusa but also includes a drug called voxilapresvir.
Facts about Vosevi include:
- Treatment time is 12 weeks for people without cirrhosis or compensated cirrhosis .
- Dosage is fixed at 400 mg of sofosbuvir, 100 mg of velpatasvir, and 100 mg of voxilapresvir once per day with food.
- Common side effects include tiredness, a headache, diarrhea, and nausea.
Doctors often recommend Vosevi for people who have had previous treatment for hepatitis C that did not work.
Also Check: Hepatitis C Symptoms Mayo Clinic
Natural Remedies That Wont Cure Your Hepatitis C
With new drugs that are too expensive and old ones with severe side effects, some people are looking into alternative treatments.
While drugs to treat a viral hepatitis C infection of the liver are better now than ever, because of their cost, they remain out of reach for many.
The new medications Sovaldi , Olysio , Harvoni , and Viekira Pak are highly effective. But one 12-week course can cost more than $94,000. This is a problem for people with and without insurance, because some insurance companies wont pay, says Nikroo Hashemi, MD, a hepatologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.
Some people who cant afford the newer medications may use the older-generation treatment a combination of pegylated interferon and the antiviral drug ribavirin but its much less effective than the newer drugs. Interferon often comes with a host of difficult side effects, like anemia, kidney failure, and fatigue, Hashemi says.
For these reasons, many people with hepatitis C turn to alternative treatments.
When considering alternative treatments like herbs, vitamins, teas, or yoga for hepatitis C, its totally reasonable to look into all of these, but they should be assessed carefully, says Christopher Moore, MD, a hepatologist and assistant professor in gastroenterology at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.
Heres a rundown of things you should know about five types of popular non-traditional therapies for hepatitis C.
What Might Not Help
This herb is widely used for liver disorders, including hepatitis B. Its active ingredient, silymarin, is thought to lower inflammation and spur new liver cells to grow. But the evidence is mixed on whether milk thistle works. Side effects can include nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
This treatment has long been used for ongoing pain. You may find it helpful for your hep C-related pain and fatigue. But several studies found that acupuncture needles can get contaminated with the hepatitis virus and pass it to other people. Make sure your acupuncturist uses disposable needles. And check that theyâre state licensed and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Cannabidiol Oil
This compound comes from the plant or its relative, hemp. CBD is legal in some states for both recreational and medical uses, and most other states allow it with a prescription. But despite its popularity for all sorts of ailments, not much research has been done to show that CBD helps with hep C or if itâs safe.
Colloidal Silver
This product has tiny particles of silver that some people claim can help heal wounds and infections. But itâs not safe if you have hep C and may actually harm you. It can cause argyria, which is a permanent discoloration of the skin. The FDA warned consumers against taking it back in 1999.
Glycyrrhizin
You May Like: What Is Hepatic Flexure Cancer
Homeopathy Remedies For Hepatitis :
Acon., act-sp., anag., anan., apis., ars., ars-i., aur., bapt., bell., bry., calc., camph., cham., carc., card-m., cean., chel., chin., cocc., corn., cupr., dol., hep., hippoz., hydr., ign., iod., kali-c., kali-i., kali-p., lach., lyc., mag-m., mang., merc., merc-d., nat-a., nat-c., nat-m., nat-s., nit-ac., nux-v., phos., phyt., podo., psor., ptel., puls., pyrog., sec., sil., staph., stel., sulph., tab., zing.
Ombitasvir Paritaprevir And Ritonavir Tablets Co
This is a relatively new group of medicines that treat genotype 1 hepatitis.
Facts about the drug pack include:
- Treatment time is 12 or 24 weeks.
- Dosage is a pack of tablets containing 12.5 mg of ombitasvir, 75 mg of paritaprevir, and 50 mg ritonavir, taken once daily in the morning, and one 250 mg tablet of dasabuvir taken twice daily with a meal.
- Common side effects of this group of drugs include nausea, itching, and trouble sleeping. If the person also takes ribavirin, side effects include tiredness, nausea, fatigue, and skin reactions.
The following medications may be effective for genotype 2:
You May Like: Can You Get Hepatitis A After Vaccination
Homeopathy Treatment For Hepatitis
Keywords: homeopathy, homeopathic, treatment, cure, remedy, remedies, medicine
Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution, family history, presenting symptoms, underlying pathology, possible causative factors etc. A miasmatic tendency is also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions. A homeopathy doctor tries to treat more than just the presenting symptoms. The focus is usually on what caused the disease condition? Why this patient is sick this way. The disease diagnosis is important but in homeopathy, the cause of disease is not just probed to the level of bacteria and viruses. Other factors like mental, emotional and physical stress that could predispose a person to illness are also looked for. No a days, even modern medicine also considers a large number of diseases as psychosomatic. The correct homeopathy remedy tries to correct this disease predisposition. The focus is not on curing the disease but to cure the person who is sick, to restore the health. If a disease pathology is not very advanced, homeopathy remedies do give a hope for cure but even in incurable cases, the quality of life can be greatly improved with homeopathic medicines.
Chelidonium Arsenic Album And Phosphorus For Liver Problems Such As Hepatitis
Hepatitis is one of the most common liver problems involving inflammation of the liver. It is mainly caused by viral infections and is characterised by the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. Top grade medicines for hepatitis are Chelidonium, Arsenic Album and Phosphorus. Chelidonium is very effective in treating an enlarged liver with tenderness. Dull, throbbing pain in the region of the liver is also best treated with medicine Chelidonium. Where hepatitis results from bad food or food poisoning, Arsenic Album is the best medicine for liver problems like hepatitis. The symptom to look out for prescription of Arsenic Album is burning pain in the liver which gets better with warm drinks. Phosphorus is another very frequently prescribed medicine for both acute and chronic hepatitis.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Contact Hepatitis A
Best Homeopathic Medicines For Liver Problems
The liver is the largest gland in the body situated below the diaphragm, on the right side of the abdomen and has many vital functions to perform for the body. It filters the blood coming from the digestive tract before it passes to the body. Other important functions of the liver are metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and amino acids in the body production of bile that help in breaking down the fat and detoxification of chemicals and drugs. Its other functions include producing blood clotting factors, storage of glucose and clearance of bilirubin. Many factors can cause liver problems, but the major among them are virus infections, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Liver problems can occur in persons of all age groups and may be genetic. Liver problems, if not treated in time, can lead to liver failure and prove to be life-threatening. Homeopathic medicines for liver problems are Chelidonium, Carduus Marianus and Natrum Sulphuricum.
Side Effects And Risks Of Homeopathic Medicine And Treatments For Hepatitis
Homeopathic remedies are well diluted and designed with high standards of safety and efficacy. When selected and prescribed by a qualified homeopathic physician for the right indications, these medicines provide positive results with few or no side effects, provided all conditions of diet and regimen are followed.
Don’t Miss: Hepatitis B And C Test
Treatment Of Hepatitis C
Treatment mainly depends upon medical condition of the patient
Homeopathic treatment of Hepatitis C infection Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Hepatitis C infection but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved medicines are available for Hepatitis C treatment that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensation and modalities of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. Some important remedies are given below for Hepatitis C treatment:
Brynoia excellent remedy for inflammation of the liver, the right lobe of the liver is mostly affected and feels like a load in the hypochondrium. Every slightest movement hurts, with burning and stitching pains and nausea.
Podophyllum remarkable remedy for Hepatitis C. there is congestion and enlargement of the liver with great irritability of the liver, slight rubbing of the liver helps, the discomfort is aggravated by slightest thought or smell of food.
What Can People Do To Help The Medications Work Best
- Take the medications every day
- Stay in touch with pharmacy to be sure that all refills are ready on time
- Take the medications exactly as prescribed
- Do not skip doses
- Get all blood tests done on time
- Go to all visits with providers as recommended
- Tell the provider about all other medications that are being taken – including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements
- Complete the entire course of medication
Don’t Miss: What Is Hepatitis B Virus
Other Toxins That Cause Hepatitis
Toxins and drugs can cause hepatitis:
- Amatoxin-containing mushrooms, including the Death Cap , the Destroying Angel , and some species of Galerina. A portion of a single mushroom can be enough to be lethal .
- White phosphorus, an industrial toxin and war chemical.
- Paracetamol can cause hepatitis when taken in an overdose. The severity of liver damage may be limited by prompt administration of acetylcysteine.
- Carbon tetrachloride , chloroform, and trichloroethylene, all chlorinated hydrocarbons, cause steatohepatitis .
- Cylindrospermopsin, a toxin from the cyanobacteriumCylindrospermopsis raciborskii and other cyanobacteria.
But Even If You’ve Been Cured It Can Have Lifelong Health Implications
“Hepatitis C is a lot more than just a liver disease,” Reau says. “It has been associated with many medical conditions, such as an increased risk of developing diabetes, kidney disease and cancer.”
While curing hepatitis C significantly reduces the risk of serious complications, like liver failure, liver cancer and the need for transplantation, it doesn’t completely eliminate the health risks associated with the disease.
“Hep C is linked to scarring of the liver or cirrhosis and the more scar tissue that develops, the greater the likelihood of complications,” Reau says. “If there is a lot of scarring, you will need lifelong monitoring.”
Reau also recommends leading a healthy lifestyle to help prevent re-infection and further liver damage: Limit alcohol consumption, control your weight, avoid high-risk activities and manage diabetes if you have it.
Also Check: Ok Google How Do You Get Hepatitis C
A Variety Of Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis C vary depending on the phase of the disease and its severity. In acute infection , common symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, flulike symptoms, fatigue, fever, liver pain, jaundice, dark-colored urine, headache, muscle and joint pains, diarrhea, and itchy skin. Chronic disease may be completely free of symptoms, or the symptoms may be fairly subtle: fatigue, weakness, digestive complaints, muscle and joint pain, and itching. Women may experience PMS and other problems with the menstrual cycle. The liver may or may not be enlarged and achy. Severe liver damage, as in cirrhosis, can lead to a highly toxic state, with nutritional deficiencies, bleeding, and mental confusion. People with long-term hepatitis have an increased risk of developing liver cancer. A study by Japanese researcher Masashi Mizokami released last year for the first time at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases suggests that, if the United States follows the path of Japan, we may soon be seeing an increase in liver cancer cases related to HCV infection.