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Hepatitis C is a virus transmitted through blood to blood contact. It is called a silent disease and may take up to 10-15 years to present itself. The hepatitis C virus attacks the liver causing inflammation which can lead to scarring and left untreated may result in cirrhosis and liver failure.

Goal of Therapy

• Interferons are found naturally in the body and they help to fight infection.
  • Pegasys, Peg-Intron, and Infergen are similar to the natural interferons in the body and will help your immune system fight the virus.
• Ribavirin attacks the virus and slows its replication.
• Together the Interferon therapy and the Ribavirin fight the virus from two angles, slowing and stopping any further damage done to the liver that could lead to cirrhosis.
• Some of the most common side effects from the treatment include:
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Blurred vision
• Drinking large amounts of water may help with adverse side effects.
• Also, taking your injection a few hours before you go to bed might help you to sleep through the worst of the side effects.
• If depression does occur you should contact your doctor for treatment as soon as you notice symptoms
• It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor, the blood work that they will perform will be important to your therapy management.
• Two forms of birth control must be used during therapy and for six months after the therapy has been completed. This includes male and female patients.
• There are several support groups for patients with Hepatitis C, they include:
  • PegIntron offers the "Be in Charge" program for patients, which includes 24/7 nurse support: 888-436-2608
  • Pegasys offers the "Peg-Assist" program for patients, which includes 24/7 nurse support: 877-734-2797
  • Infergen offers the "Aspire" program for patients, which offers 24/7 nurse support: 888-668-3393

The information provided above is educational material and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. You should discuss the information and how it may be applicable to you with your healthcare provider. For MedfusionRx patients if you have any questions about your medication or the side effects, please see the contact us page for your pharmacy number. For more information on dosing, precautions, warnings, interactions and contraindications for a specific medication, please refer to the product information (prescribing information) provided with your medication.