An overview of Hepatitis C
The virus HCV or Hepatitis C virus causes infection in the liver. This condition is called Hepatitis C. Chronic Hep C progresses slowly and often leads to liver cancer or liver damage. The HCV has 6 known genotypes of DNA sequences. Hep C is one of the most prevalent lives diseases today and the major cause of liver transplants. The common symptoms include Jaundice, stomach pain, Decreased appetite, Fatigue and nausea. Hepatitis C is transferred from person to person through blood and body fluids, the common scenarios being using an infected syringe, sexual intercourse with an infected person, transfusion of infected blood and from mother to child.
Treatment with DAAs
The regular study of the HCV has led to many breakthroughs and advancements in the available treatments. The understanding of the HCV genome and its protein structure has helped the researchers to develop Direct Acting Antivirals that inhibit the proteins in the Hepatitis C virus and prevent it from replicating inside the host body. As hepatitis C is hard to treat and harder to cure, every new breakthrough is a step forward. A combination of these DAAs is helping fight Hep C better, one of these being Ribavirin.
What is Ribavirin?
Ribavirin is a purine nucleoside analog that works against the RNA and DNA of many viruses. It was discovered by Witkowski and co-workers in 1972 and was initially used to treat severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children. With it also showed to be effective in treating Lassa fever virus infection, influenza A and B, and other viruses. Then it was studies as a possible cure for Hepatitis C. The actual effect of Ribavirin for Hepatitis C treatment is unknown due to lack of available Hep C culture but it is a known fact that Ribavirin alone does not have any effect on the HCV. Only when used in combination with other drugs does it become a useful agent in treating Hepatitis C.?
How Ribavirin works-
When there is an increase in the liver enzyme level, it indicates possible inflammation or damage to the liver cells. This increase in enzymes leads to more secretion of certain chemicals from the liver into the bloodstream. Bringing the liver enzyme countdown can help reduce and prevent liver damage. This is what Ribavirin does. Studies showed ha upon usage of Ribavirin as art of the Hepatitis C combination treatment, the liver enzyme level came down. Ribavirin for hepatitis C treatment has shown a lot of promise in controlling the virus but it does not eradicate the virus and studies are undergoing to find the best possible combination to work this out.
What information will the doctor need to know about your health before treatment can be prescribed?
The perfect combination of medication for treatment of Hepatitis C including Ribavirin, interferon etc can only be worked out after the following information and discussion with your specialist-
Blood tests to confirm the presence of HCV of hepatitis C virus in your body
Tests to determine the genotype of the HCV
Test to measure the liver damage caused to take action accordingly
Medical history with ongoing treatment details or treatments taken previously for Hepatitis C
Any other prescription or supplements that you might be taking
The dosage of Ribavirin and the entire treatment combination should be followed as per the explicit instructions of your specialist.
