When you are diagnosed with a Hepatitis C viral infection, time is of the essence to begin medical therapy. Delaying the beginning of therapy can increase the risk of further complications, reduce the odds of a cure, and can even lead to death.
Some years ago, when Interferon was the main prescription medication used to treat a Hepatitis C viral infection, physicians usually recommended to postpone the beginning of treatment until an advanced stage of the disease. Factors influencing a delay in the start of Interferon treatment included the long duration of self-injection Interferon treatment required to see a significant response along with its uncomfortable side effects, and its low rate of cure.
Today, patients can count on new oral, interferon-free, direct-acting antiviral therapies, such as Sovaldi, Harvoni and Daklinza, Many physicians and advocates now feel that just about anyone infected with the Hep C virus is now eligible to receive one of the new oral antiviral treatment therapies which are now available by prescription.
Current and common advice now is that if you are infected with the Hepatitis C virus you should consult your physician to ask about beginning one of these new treatments as soon as possible to avoid further complications and deterioration of your liver status.
