You are not alone with your diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Approximately 4 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C infection. Getting started early with the right treatment puts you at an advantage.
Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Once hepatitis C enters the blood and begins reproducing itself, the chances for liver damage increases. This process can take years, and you may experience no symptoms during that time and not even know you are infected.
In 85% of people who have hepatitis C, the virus becomes a chronic infection that stays in the body and damages the liver. Once the damage becomes extensive the liver may stop working properly, which is a condition known as cirrhosis. Hepatitis C can also lead to liver disease and even liver cancer. If end-stage liver disease (liver failure) sets in, the only treatment is a liver transplant.
If you do not treat hepatitis C, the consequences can be serious and expensive. The goal of treatment for hepatitis C is to eliminate the virus from your body. Starting treatment with PEG-INTRON® offers you a chance to become virus free, avoid a relapse, and meet your treatment goals.
