What Is Hepatitis C?
A viral infection of the liver caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) that often becomes chronic and can lead to cirrhosis or HCC.
Why Do I Need Treatment?
Treatment is recommended if you have:
- Positive HCV RNA on PCR
- Elevated liver enzymes or fibrosis on imaging/biopsy
How Should I Prepare?
- Blood tests: HCV genotype, viral load, liver panel.
- Imaging: FibroScan or ultrasound for fibrosis staging.
What Happens During Treatment?
- Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for 8–12 weeks (e.g., sofosbuvir/velpatasvir).
- Minimal side effects; high cure rates (>95%).
What Can I Expect Afterwards?
- Sustained virologic response (SVR) in most patients.
- Continued HCC surveillance if advanced fibrosis present.
Risks & Possible Complications
- Rare drug interactions—review all medications.
- Monitoring for relapse in high-risk groups.
Follow-Up
- HCV RNA at 12 weeks post-treatment.
- Continued ultrasound every 6 months if cirrhosis.
