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More Than a Cure, a Path to Improvement: Hepatitis C Treatment

Hepatitis C infection, an infection of the liver by the hepatitis C virus, is a major global health concern, affecting millions. Although the liver itself does not have pain receptors, the inflammation due to hepatitis C infection can affect the rest of the body, leading to fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and bones, joints, and muscle aches. This discomfort often disrupts sleep, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.  Left untreated, a liver infected with hepatitis C suffers ongoing damage and puts other systems of the body in distress – which can lead to brain fog, abdominal pain, and internal bleeding – all the while, more serious conditions like liver cirrhosis, scarring, and cancer can develop.

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The good news? The newest generation of treatments, called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure the infection. DAAs work by directly stopping the hepatitis C virus from multiplying, whereas older treatments allowed the virus to reproduce and activated an “antiviral state” in infected and nearby cells. By stopping the infection at its source, this treatment can cure – not just manage – hepatitis C infection. A robust research study in the real world has also shown that when patients are cured this way, they can experience significant improvements in overall well-being.

DAAs are pills taken daily for two months to two years, and they work by targeting specific parts of the hepatitis C virus to stop it from spreading. Most treatments combine two different DAAs into one regimen. Even though DAAs generally cause fewer side effects than earlier treatments, some patients still experience discomfort, such as fatigue, headaches, or nausea, during treatment. More than 9 out of 10 people who complete treatment with DAAs are cured, meaning the virus is no longer detectable in their bloodstream.

When you are infected with hepatitis C, fatigue or tiredness can make it hard to engage in daily activities like preparing meals, planning activities for a day, and even fulfilling work responsibilities – and you are left feeling drained. Interrupted sleep can worsen this by disrupting your schedule and mental/physical well-being, potentially leading to further serious health issues. After successful DAA treatment, you could expect more energy and better sleep, which will help you reclaim hours in your day or spend meaningful time with loved ones. While DAA treatment almost always cures the infection, other challenges in life might still impair sleep and limit overall well-being. However, regardless of your situation, treatment is an important step for your health and overall quality of life.  

Pain in the abdomen, or belly area, is another common symptom that can affect comfort and daily activities. This long-term discomfort can make even simple tasks, such as walking, sitting, or eating, challenging and frustrating. Successful DAA treatment can reduce this pain, improving your comfort and daily functioning so that you can focus on things other than pain management. 

In addition to these specific improvements, people who have received successful DAA treatment have reported significant improvement in a measure of overall well-being called HCV-PRO, which includes physical, emotional, and social function, intimacy, and productivity. Ill health can be physically devastating and socially isolating. Successful DAA treatment can be an important step in turning this around – as it has for many patients. These improvements were found for study participants, including men, women, and individuals from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds – so no matter who may be infected with hepatitis C, DAA treatment holds promise.

Patient-centered research has shown that beyond curing hepatitis C, DAAs can also lead to other improvements that might unlock a more full and vibrant life.

Resources

Early diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C are crucial. Here are some resources to guide you:

  • Find a testing site: Locate local health centers and clinics that offer hepatitis C testing.
  • Try to get screened regularly: Make sure to get regular screenings, especially if you have any risk factors such as injection drug use, blood transfusions before 1992, exposure to needle-stick accidents, and others. Taking advantage of resources, like access to clean and safe needles, can also help reduce the risk of hepatitis C transmission. Early diagnosis can make a big difference and significantly improves treatment success.
  • Learn more about DAAs: For more information on DAAs and hepatitis C treatment options, visit well-respected health websites such as the UK National Health Service, World Health Organization, or Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination.
  • Spread awareness: Raising awareness about hepatitis C and the benefits of DAAs can help more people seek the treatment they need and improve their overall well-being.

The statements and opinions presented in this blog post are solely the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute® (PCORI®), its Board of Governors or Methodology Committee.