Considering Treatment

considering treatmentThere are many factors that one must think about when considering treatment for hepatitis C. Current state of health, genotype, work and family circumstances, as well as financial considerations, are all factors that can influence if, and when, a person decides to undergo treatment.

To Start

  • Get some basic facts and information about hep C and treatment options
  • Talk with your doctor/health care provider about different options available
  • Connect with people who have been through different treatments. In-person and online supports are great peer resources
  • Talk with your family and friends about your options

About Current and Future Treatments

Treatments for hepatitis C have been difficult and long – up to a year. Trying side effects sometimes made it difficult or impossible for people to carry on day-to-day activities. Until March 2012, pegylated interferon and ribavirin were the two main drugs used in hepatitis C treatment. Currently, what treatments are available in Canada and covered by BC’s PharmaCare are changing quickly, but some still use pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the best results.

The two most common side effects caused by pegylated interferon and ribavirin are anemia and ‘flu-like’ symptoms (aches, pains, nausea, insomnia, fatigue). Not everyone has the same side effects or to the same extent.

Clinical trial data is showing that second generation DAAs are easier to tolerate and have fewer debilitating side effects. In clinical trials where interferon and/or ribavirin are still prescribed as part of triple therapy treatment, side effects are present but treatment time is much shorter, often making side effects more tolerable and less severe.

The better news is that ‘double therapy’ clinical trials – DAA treatment without interferon or ribavirin – are underway, with results showing fewer side effects than ‘triple therapy’. These treatments still have some side effects, but the hope and promise is that those side effects are much more tolerable and less severe than current treatments.

Check Hep C Treatment Information Project’s Hep C Treatment and Hep C Drug Pipeline Treatments for more detailed information and resources.

Many people opt to delay treatment (or, they are advised to by their health care provider) because the possibility of side effects seems too disruptive, given their current life circumstance or health situation.

For those who choose treatment now, many good resources exist to help prepare for treatment, as well as information on how to manage side effects.

Resources for those Considering Treatment

Pacific Hepatitis C Network’s Keeping track of your health and questions to ask your doctor

BCCDC – ‘Getting ready for Treatment’ resource guide

CATIE

HealthLink BC‘s many helpful hep C information and resource pages

Hepatitis C Treatment OPTIONS: Basic Information for Patients
This interactive tool will provide you with personal hepatitis C treatment recommendations that can be printed for reference or to taken your provider.

Hepatitis Drug Interactions
The University of Liverpool has created a drug interaction chart for the following hep C treatments: Victrelis (boceprevir), Daklinza (daclatasvir), Holkira Pak (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir), Galexos (simeprevir), Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), pegylated interferon, ribavirin. Talk with your doctor about other medications you are taking before starting any new treatments for hep C.

Lucinda Porter
Well-known hepatitis C advocate, health educator, and author, Lucinda Porter, writes about hep C, living with hepatitis, and the treatment journey. Porter’s background, as a Registered Nurse, and her own lived experience with hepatitis C and treatment are all written about by Porter in this blog.

Peer Supports

There are a number of support groups and hotlines available to support you and to answer your questions. People are also connecting through social media, especially on Facebook. This is a great way to find local groups.

Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre (VIDC)
VIDC provides education and support for people living with hepatitis C. VIDC is involved with HCV clinical trials and supporting patients in trials. VIDC also offers a weekly treatment support group.

The VIDC Hepatitis C Treatment Support Group includes food and prizes. It takes place Fridays from 10:00-12:00 noon at suite 200 – 1200 Burrard Street, Vancouver.  For more VIDC support group information contact Shawn Sharma (HCV Nurse).

For clinical trial information contact Dr. Harout Tossonian

HCV-411.ca – Find HIV and hepatitis C services near you
The directory includes information about  HIV and HCV services across Canada.

HELP-4-HEP (hepatitis C helpline)
Help‑4‑Hep is a trusted source of information, support, and referrals—all free of charge to you. Call toll-free: 877‑Help‑4‑Hep (877‑435‑7443). Your call is completely confidential.

help4hep hotline imageHepCBC – Listing of Canadian peer support groups
HepCBC has a listing of peer support groups across Canada and international. Check out their directory for a group near you.

Pacific Hepatitis C Network Directory of Resources
The directory includes resources in BC, ranging from liver clinics to support groups.

Personal Stories – Stories from the Edge
 First-hand stories about second generation DAA treatments

Peer Support Blogs Written by Peers

HepatitisC.net
HepatitisC.net is an American website by Health Union, LLC, that was developed to provide hep C information and connect those who have been effected by hep C. It publishes articles by patient advocates, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Daryl Luster, PHCN’s president, has contributed content to the site.

Hep BOOMers
Hep BOOMers is a blog mainly written by Elizabeth Rains, a blogger, a baby boomer, and a hep C survivor. She invites participation from everyone in the hepatitis C community, and writes about treatment, finding a cure, and advocacy.

Contact us at [email protected]

The information on this website is meant as a resource only and is not intended to replace qualified medical attention. Please seek advise and guidance from your health practitioners when considering your hep C treatment options.