Treatment
There are treatments you can have if you are diagnosed with the hepatitis C. Although there can be side effects, there is a lot of support for you while you are having treatment.
The treatment has good success rates. Between 50-80% of people having treatment will clear the virus and return to normal healthy lives after their treatment. Treatment is more effective the sooner it is carried out.
The two main drugs used for treatment of hepatitis C are called pegylated interferon and ribavirin. You will either receive pegylated interferon alone, or the two drugs together. Treatment usually lasts for six or 12 months.
Your doctor will discuss with you what treatment is available and assess whether it is appropriate for you.
What are the side effects?
The drugs used to treat hepatitis C can have a number of side effects that can be significant. However, these may not affect everyone in the same way or to the same degree.
The most common side effects are flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches, aches and pains, and decreased appetite. Other side effects may include nausea, anaemia, depression, itching and skin rashes.
The side effects are usually worse at the beginning of the treatment. They should become less severe as your body becomes used to the drugs.
Treatment may be not be advised for some patients, including those with certain pre-existing medical conditions and pregnant women.
If you are offered treatment your doctor will be able to provide more information.
Treatment services are currently provided at the following locations and GPs can refer patients to these treatment centres:
Hepatology Services at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lead clinician: Dr Martin Prince, Consultant Hepatologist
Tel: 0161 276 8880 (PA: Wendy Hine)
Fax: 0161 276 8779
Department of Infectious Diseases at North Manchester General Hospital, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Lead clinician: Dr Javier Vilar, Associate Clinical Director for Infectious Diseases
Tel: 0161 720 2734 (PA: Marion Knowles)
Fax: 0161 720 2732
Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wrighington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Lead clinician: Dr Gurvinder Banait, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Tel: 01942 778532
Fax: 01942 778634
In addition, the University Hospitals of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM) have agreed a 12 month pilot study to treat 20 patients with Hepatitis C infection. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and logistics of providing a Hepatitis C treatment service at Wythenshawe Hospital, as there is currently no treatment provision in the south of the city. Several referrals have already been received from UHSM and local substance misuse treatment services. The first patient started Hepatitis C treatment in October 2010.
Department of Gastroenterology, Wythenshawe Hospital, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
Lead clinician: Dr Pippa Newton, Consultant in Infectious Diseases
Tel: 0161 291 5811
Fax: 0161 291 5806
Read the story of someone who has undergone treatment for hepatitis C.
