Hepatitis C infection differs from other chronic viral infections, in that it can potentially be cured by treatment. Several medicines are available to treat individuals infected with HCV, and cure rates have steadily improved with the introduction of newer medicines.
Current antiviral treatments now available can cure 95- 97% of individuals infected with hepatitis C
Treatment and Pregnancy
Unlike for Hepatitis B, there is no specific anti-viral treatment indicated for Hepatitis C during pregnancy. You must not get pregnant while on, or for 6 months following treatment for hepatitis C, but this does not mean that you cannot plan for a family. Some questions to consider are: should you postpone treatment to become pregnant now, or do you start treatment and postpone pregnancy. If you do opt for treatment please speak to the consultant hepatologist/hepatitis nurse specialists regarding the most suitable form of birth control to use inconjuction with antiviral treatment prescribed.
The treatment of hepatitis C is a developing area of medicine. New treatments continue to be developed. The specialist who knows your case can give more accurate information about the outlook for your particular situation.
Support
NI Hepatitis Specialist Nurses - Orla McCormick & Niamh Boyle
Contact numbers: 0771 2506350 and 0778 8883457