Can Hepatitis C Recur After Successful Treatment?
The treatment for hepatitis C does not create immunity against the virus.
How can hepatitis C return?
Hepatitis C may return for several reasons-
New infection– A person can catch a fresh hepatitis C infection, even after prior exposure.
Relapse of the virus – The drug treatment may not be able to completely eradicate the virus.
It occurs when the original virus returns, even after treatment.
Failure of the antiviral therapy – The treatment may not be able to achieve a sustained virological response.
The factors that may contribute include drug resistance, incomplete treatment, drug interactions, and patient condition.
What factors increase the risk of hepatitis C reinfection?
Reinfection may occur due to contamination by infectious blood.
- Using unsterile needles
- Sharing infected needles, razors
- Unsafe sex with an infected person
- Unsterile tattoos and body piercing
Is it always a new infection or the same infection?
Re-infection occurs due to a new infection.
Relapse involves the previous infection. It usually occurs when the virus is not eliminated.
It is the return of the original virus.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C recurrence?
Many people with active virus infection may not show any symptoms.
However, some symptoms may include-
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Dark colored urine
- Clay-colored stool
- Yellowing of eyes and skin
- Fever and muscle ache
The advanced symptoms that may indicate liver damage-
- Unusual bleeding
- Easy bruising
- Swelling in legs
- Ascites
- Mental confusion
How is hepatitis C treated after recurrence?
The treatment depends upon the type of recurrence.
If it is reinfection or the relapse of the previous infection.
A medical professional needs to evaluate liver health, diseases progression before treatment.
In cases of fresh infection, it is treated with the recommended drugs.
It must be evaluated for any treatment failures during previous infections.
In cases of relapse, a drug regimen is followed based on liver condition, drug resistance, previous medicines, etc.
The commonly used medicines in hepatitis C treatment-
The treatment approach in hepatitis C infection involves inhibiting viral replication.
The drug regimen consists of direct-acting antivirals.
Hepatitis C virus is usually treated with drug combinations.
- Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir
- Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir
How to confirm hepatitis C recurrence?
It must be tested for viral load in the blood.
HCV RNA blood test must be performed to confirm the active infection.
It does not confirm relapse or reinfection.
HCV antibody cannot confirm the recurrence of the infection.
HCV antibody test may remain positive, even after successful treatment.
Which hepatitis medicine manufacturer in India exports medicines globally?
Aprazer Healthcare is a hepatology drug manufacturer.
The drug portfolio spans hepatitis B medicine and hepatitis C medicines.
With world-class infrastructure, we are focused on developing advanced antiviral combinations.
Our flagship products include-
- Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir- Sofokast plus
- Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir- Ledikast
- Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir – Velakast