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Are there any over-the-counter treatments for Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, which is the largest gland in the body. Hepatitis inflammation can interfere with the body's normal liver functions such as the removal of toxins. Hepatitis can be acute (lasting from 1 to 6 months) or chronic (long-term). Chronic hepatitis can eventually result in liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, or in rare cases liver cancer.

Hepatitis C is now the most common chronic blood-borne viral infection in the United States. A small percentage of people who become infected with this virus are able to clear it completely from their systems without any treatment. This means they no longer have hepatitis and cannot infect others with it. Unfortunately, the majority of people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) do go on to develop long-term effects from this disease. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there currently is no vaccine available for hepatitis C. There is also no cure for hepatitis C. This disease is primarily treated using prescription antiviral medications. People with mild cases of HCV tend to try other measures first rather than taking prescription medications as soon as they are diagnosed. These measures include avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, and receiving periodic monitoring of their condition by health care professionals.

No over-the-counter medicines help to treat hepatitis C infections. In fact, some can actually be dangerous. The liver is at risk for drug-induced injury due to its role in processing and removing all drugs that enter the blood stream from the body. Toxic byproducts from this processing can attack and injure the liver. People with hepatitis C should always check prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medications for potential liver damage.Although acetaminophen is usually safe when taken as prescribed, severe liver damage can occur when it is taken in a single excessive dose or over a period of time. Its toxic effects can increase when taken with alcohol (which is toxic to the liver also). Acetaminophen is found in many over-the-counter and prescription pain killers including Excedrin, Nyquil, Tylenol, Darvocet, Percocet, and Vicodin.

You and your doctor can work together to determine the right treatment for you based on your particular symptoms and pattern of disease. Lifestyle changes along with the appropriate therapy can improve the quality of life for a person with hepatitis C.

Sources:
Diseases and Conditions, "Hepatitis C." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 3/19/2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2006.Medical Encyclopedia, "Hepatitis C." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus. MedlinePlus. Last accessed 3/19/2007.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006. Last accessed 3/19/2007.
Viral Hepatitis C, "Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C." http://www.cdc.gov. Last accessed 3/19/2007.

This answer prepared 3/19/2007.

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