Treatment of chronic hepatitis C

  • Chronic hepatitis C is currently treated with a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The pegylated interferon is injected subcutaneously once every week. The injection can be performed by the patient or a qualified person after receiving the corresponding training.
  • Depending on the genotype of the hepatitis virus, the period of treatment is 24 or 48 weeks.
     

For treatment, the following points should be taken into account:

  • Patients must be aware that the hepatitis C treatment is a long-term treatment which requires regular follow-up. They should attend a consultation at least once a month.
  • Treatment given to drug users often progresses poorly, above all due to the mental side effects. Therefore, a physician-patient relationship based on trust is important.
     
For patients with unstable psychiatric disorders, any possible treatment should be undertaken in specialist centres/practices with training in dealing with psychological problems.