The importance of Hepatitis C treatment in managing the virus and improving liver health is undeniable. Getting a positive diagnosis can be hard to accept and bring about a whirlwind of emotions. However, with revolutionary treatment options for hepatitis C in OKC, like antiviral medications, you can stop the virus from replicating in your body.
At Equality Health, our Hepatitis clinic strives to improve the liver health of Oklahoma residents by providing effective and personalized Hepatitis C treatments in OKC. We’re here to help you understand Hepatitis C better and inform you of strategies to safeguard and improve your health.
Nurturing Liver Health with Hepatitis C Treatment in Oklahoma City
Seeking timely treatment after your Hepatitis C testing in Oklahoma City is crucial. Proper treatment puts you at a lower risk of developing health complications.
At Equality Health’s hep C clinic, we can help our HCV-infected patients get treated quickly. However, for anyone left untreated, this infection can lead to chronic health problems like liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even death. Get the best treatment for hepatitis C as soon as possible and lower the risks of the disease.
Equality Health offers treatment to remove the virus completely and minimize the risk of liver damage. In medical terms, we call this state–Sustained Virologic Response (SVR).
So, if you want to prevent the further transmission of the virus to other people or your loved ones, improve the health of your liver, and enhance your quality of life, get tested for HCV and have it treated in Oklahoma City!
Concept of DAA Medications
Before, few options were available to treat Hepatitis C. However, various drugs are available today to treat the disease faster than ever.
At Equality Health, we use the standard treatment for Hepatitis C called Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapy. These antiviral drugs work by halting various steps in the virus’s duplication cycle and preventing it from replicating in the body, curing your HCV in as little as 8 to 12 weeks.
We understand your unique circumstances and recommend treatment strategies accordingly. So call us if you want a highly personalized Hepatitis C treatment regimen available in OKC.
Evaluation and Monitoring
Before starting the Hepatitis C treatment, our healthcare experts evaluate patients to understand their unique situation and customize the treatment plan accordingly.
- Medical history analysis: After testing positive for Hepatitis C, we conduct an in-depth assessment by inquiring about your past treatments and present underlying health conditions and determine how prone you are to other infections. We also ask about drug or alcohol use and other lifestyle factors.
- Liver function tests: We gain insights about your liver health from the liver function tests. These tests let us know the damage and inflammation level in your liver.
- Viral load testing: By measuring the HCV count in your blood, we can determine if you have an active infection. The test results allow us to recommend a personalized treatment plan.
After the initial evaluation, we at Equality Health prioritize monitoring your progress in the treatment journey, as it lets us understand whether you’re responding well to the treatment. We conduct blood tests to monitor your liver’s response to treatment.
Antiviral Medications for Hepatitis C
At Equality Health, we use the best-in-class Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapy by combining drugs of different classes.
There are several different types of hepatitis C treatment medications in OKC that are used. The most commonly used medications can treat all 6 types of hepatitis C, and treatment can be completed in as little as 8 to 12 weeks.
Note: Stick to your treatment plan and take your medicines daily as we prescribe.
Duration and Response Rates of Hepatitis C Treatment
Our typical Hepatitis C treatment plan generally lasts 8-12 weeks. However, it can also extend up to 24 weeks in rare cases.
The duration of HCV treatment depends on:
- Patient’s HCV genotypes
- Detection of liver cirrhosis
- Past medical history
- Underlying health conditions, and
- Personal patient preferences when it comes to the number of pills, food requirements, or length of treatment.
We at Equality Health consider these factors and recommend a treatment plan to achieve Sustained Virologic Response (SVR). When we do not detect HCV RNA in your blood after treatment, you have achieved SVR or cure from hepatitis C.
The current Hepatitis C treatments we use, like DAAs, have high response rates, up to 95% to 99% in terms of cure. So let Equality Health contribute to your long-term health improvement.
Read our blog on The Complete Process of Hepatitis Treatment for more information.
Adherence and Supportive Care
During your Hepatitis C treatment, we always advise our patients to take all the medications as prescribed and avoid missing doses. We facilitate our patients with a proper hepatitis C care plan including follow-ups with our healthcare provider to ensure treatment success.
Additionally, we encourage and support our patients during treatment with our mental health support and counseling services, if needed. We provide an honest environment by being in touch with them throughout treatment where our patients can consult us anytime if they experience hepatitis C treatment side effects or have any questions about treatment.
Potential Hep C Treatment Side Effects and Management Strategies
While undergoing our treatment, potential hep C side effects can occur. You can experience side effects like:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Weakness
- Rash
- Low blood cell count
- Mental health issues
- Reactivation of hepatitis B if you have a history of this type of hepatitis
We advise you to manage these side effects by:
- Focusing on getting adequate rest and sleep every day.
- Routinely exercising.
- Staying fully hydrated by drinking lots of fluid.
- Eating a balanced diet.
At Equality Health, we stay in the loop with our patients so that we can understand your situation better. To help you understand the long term effects of hepatitis C, we will adjust your treatment regimen according to your personal circumstances and provide you with tailored Hepatitis C treatment plans that suit you.
Treatment Outcomes and Long-term Follow-up
With follow-up visits, our health professionals evaluate how well you responded to the treatment and whether you’ve achieved SVR. We test for SVR 12 weeks or more after you complete treatment. Sometimes, relapses in your treatment might occur. So our follow-ups let us detect these relapses and explore alternative therapies.
While regular healthcare visits are important, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important to support your overall well-being. Unlike other viruses, you can be re-infected with HCV, so try your best to adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid risky behaviors to avoid re-infection.
Future Developments and Research
From discovery to cure, the research for hepatitis C treatment has come a long way. Here are some ongoing research efforts and advancements in Hepatitis C treatment–
- Drug combination therapy: While DAA has been the standard effective treatment for Hepatitis C, researchers are exploring new ways of combination. They’re analyzing the results of combining DAA with other antiviral agents and studying the effects.
- Medications according to genotypes: Since HCV has multiple genotypes, developing medications based on each genotype has been a focus of exploration. These drugs are exemplary in simplifying the treatment according to individual needs.
- Vaccine development: Researchers are exploring ways to create a vaccine against Hepatitis C. While creating one is challenging, one might be available in the future.
The landscape for Hepatitis C treatment is constantly expanding. With so much effort underway, we have high hopes for improved outcomes and more hepatitis C treatment options.
Are you ready to transform your health? Let Equality Health Health be your trusted partner for Hepatitis C treatment in OKC. Bid farewell to HCV’s reign and embrace a brighter future with better health with the best hep C doctors in OKC. From testing Hepatitis C to curing it, receive the best-in-class treatment regimen. We also provide HIV testing, HIV treatment, PrEP for HIV prevention, STD testing, and STD treatments in Oklahoma City. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you want to get treated for Hepatitis C in Oklahoma, Equality Health is your best choice. We provide a comprehensive Hepatitis C testing service followed by counseling services and treatment. Our providers are highly skilled and have years of experience on their hands. We provide antibody tests and nucleic acid tests to detect if you have ever come in contact with the Hepatitis C virus or if you have an active infection. So, consult with the best Hep C doctors in OKC today.
Many insurance plans cover the treatment for Hepatitis C, but some insurance plans do not cover all of the costs. The medical care and medications for Hepatitis C are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance for most clients. But, it is still important to contact your insurance provider and understand your plan better to see what they cover.
The medications that are used to treat Hepatitis C are:
- Protease Inhibitors: Protease inhibitors include medicines such as Simeprevir and Grazoprevir.
- Polymerase Inhibitors: Some common medications in polymerase inhibitors include Sofosbuvir and Dasabuvir.
- NS5A Inhibitors: Common medications in NS5A inhibitors include Ledipasvir and Elbasvir.
Being on Hepatitis C treatment can cause the following side effects:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Depression
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Problems sleeping
However, these side effects are not guaranteed to happen. Some people on the medication might suffer from the side effects, and some might not.
In Oklahoma, hepatitis C treatment can typically last between 8 to 12 weeks. However, the treatment period can vary due to the following circumstances:
- The type of drugs prescribed during the treatment
- The strain or genotype of the virus
- How well you respond to the treatment
- Presence of liver disease like Cirrhosis
- Your overall health condition