Life After Hepatitis C Treatment with Epclusa
Epclusa is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). It has been shown to be highly effective, with over 95% of patients achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR) - meaning the virus is undetectable in their blood 12 weeks after finishing treatment.
But what can you expect after completing your Epclusa patient stories treatment? Here are some things you should know about life after taking Epclusa for hepatitis C.
Continued Monitoring is Important
Even after successful hepatitis C treatment with Epclusa, your doctor will likely want to continue monitoring you with blood tests. This allows them to confirm the virus remains undetectable and has not returned.
Follow-up testing is typically recommended at 12 and 24 weeks after finishing Epclusa. Annual blood tests may also be advised to check liver health.
You May Need Screening for Liver Cancer
Having chronic HCV infections increases your risks for liver damage, cirrhosis, and possibly liver cancer. Your doctor may recommend regular screening via ultrasound or CT scans to check for signs of cancer.
Screening is especially important if you already had significant liver scarring prior to taking Epclusa.
Make Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Now that the virus has been cleared from your bloodstream, its important to make lifestyle choices to protect your liver health. This may include:
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Drinking more water
- Eating a nutritious, low-fat, high-fiber diet
- Reaching or maintaining a healthy body weight
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
Some Medications May Still Be Contraindicated
Certain over-the-counter or prescription medications can potentially damage your liver. Your doctor may advise you to continue avoiding:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Some cholesterol and blood pressure medications
Speak to your healthcare providers about all current and new medications to make sure they are safe for your liver.
Patient Stories of Life After Hep C Treatment
Wondering what life is really like after taking Epclusa patient stories? Here are some first-hand experiences from real patients who completed hepatitis C treatment:
Sarahs Story: Feeling Healthier at Age 35
Sarah had lived with hepatitis C for over 10 years before starting treatment with Epclusa. Within a few months of taking the medication, blood tests showed she had achieved SVR. At 35, Sarah finally felt a sense of relief knowing her virus was cured.
In the year following treatment, Sarah focused on maintaining a balanced, plant-based diet along with regular exercise. She continues getting annual check-ups, but so far all her liver tests have come back perfect.
Johns Story: Successful Treatment After Age 65
John was over 65 when he first learned he had hepatitis C, likely exposed decades earlier. His doctor started him on Epclusa which successfully eradicated the virus. Per recommendations, John now limits himself to one alcoholic drink per day and has his liver monitored every 6 months.
While the emotional toll of his late diagnosis was difficult, John feels grateful to have achieved SVR with Epclusa. He looks forward to hopefully meeting his future grandkids HCV-free.
Graces Story: Scared but Then Relieved
A needlestick injury at the hospital where Grace worked exposed her to hepatitis C. She worried the virus would prevent her from living normally and having a family. Starting Epclusa treatment was scary, but the medication worked quickly with minimal side effects.
Now 2 years after finishing treatment, Grace is planning her wedding, and she tears up happily knowing HCV will not stop her from having kids. Her check-ups continue to show undetectable virus levels thanks to Epclusa.
Understanding SVR and Reinfection Risk
Achieving sustained virologic response is excellent news, but could hepatitis C reappear? Understanding your ongoing risks is key:
What is SVR?
SVR stands for sustained virologic response. Basically, it means that blood tests show undetectable HCV RNA in your blood at least 12 weeks after finishing hepatitis C treatment. Maintaining SVR is the goal.
Does SVR Mean Im Cured?
Technically no, but achieving and maintaining SVR means the virus is inactive and you are functionally cured. There is always a small chance HCV could reactivate, which is why continued monitoring matters.
Can I Get Reinfected?
Unfortunately yes. Successfully treated patients remain vulnerable to reinfection through repeated exposure to contaminated blood. Continuing safe behaviors around IV drug use and tattooing remains important.
Looking Forward After Hep C Treatment
Being cured of hepatitis C is an amazing feeling. While follow-up care is still crucial, reflect on these positive possibilities ahead of you:
- Improved liver health and lower cancer risks
- Removing worries about transmitting HCV to others
- Increased energy and vitality
- More freedom with diet, alcohol, and medications
- No barriers to pursuing career, family, relationships
If you or a loved one is considering or completing hepatitis C treatment, know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With determination and the right medical care, the possibilities beyond SVR are brighter than ever thanks to highly effective antivirals like Epclusa patient stories.
FAQs
Do I still need check-ups after hepatitis C treatment?
Yes, it's recommended to have follow-up bloodwork done at 12 and 24 weeks post-treatment to confirm you are still virus-free. Ongoing annual check-ups are also advised to monitor liver health.
What lifestyle changes should I make?
Eat healthy, exercise, limit alcohol, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight. Certain medications may also still need to be avoided if they could damage your liver.
Can hepatitis C be cured for good?
Achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) means the virus is functionally cured but inactive in your body. There is a small chance it could reactivate in the future, so continued monitoring is important.
Can I get reinfected with hepatitis C?
Yes, you remain vulnerable to reinfection even after successful treatment. Avoiding contact with infected blood through IV drug use, tattooing, etc. can prevent reinfection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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