2016-03-07

What liver doctors will not tell you: Killing the virus will not make you healthy

For many years, countries around the world have actively studied and invested in developing new drugs for hepatitis C, hoping to come up with a cure that can kill the virus. This effort has resulted in the launch of new direct antiviral DDAs drugs, which have a higher success rate than the conventional interferon treatment. [1] However, should this so-called high success rate be the focus point for patients? Is successfully getting rid of the viruses enough?

For hepatitis patients, the ultimate aim and wish should be to stop inflammation in the liver, to repair liver function (normalise ALT level), and to get their health back! In addition, the treatment should have quick results, no side effects, and financially affordable by the general public! But how beneficial is the currently over-promoted so-called ideal drug for hepatitis C to the patient’s health? Can these new drugs ensure recovery of liver health? Does it have any side effects? Can patients afford its ridiculous price?

The truth is, it is possible to eradicate the hepatitis C virus by medications and drug treatment, however this does not guarantee stopping inflammation in the liver, recovering normal liver function, nor making the body healthier. In fact, these new drugs only guarantee the patients different degrees of side effects during or even after treatment. [2]

All kinds of medications can cause harm to our bodies, especially the kidneys and liver. DDAs are no exception; patients receiving treatment will certainly experience and be affected by side effects. [3] During the treatment process, the drugs might lower the viral count, but at the same time continue to damage the liver and overall health. Suppose the drugs have a 100% success rate, but if health and normal liver function cannot be guaranteed after treatment, is this result worth paying such a high price for?

Some patients shared their views about post treatment side effects (Fig. 1):

I also have 0 Viral (load) thanks to sovaldi. I’ve been free (of hepatitis C) since Aug 2014. But (I) am having a lot of (other) med problems. So far hard to say they are not related. I don't know.
I’m still dealing with the side effects of the interferon and ribavirin I took in 2002. (written in 2016)

Fig. 1

Our bodies do not lie. In fact, after using drug treatment, even if the virus no longer exists in the body, normal liver function is not guaranteed. Patients may still suffer from different problems due to side effects.

Those who have similar experience, why not share your view with others? Did your liver health return to normal after treatment? Do you think you are healthy now? Do any side effects persist?

Reference:

Disclaimer:

* All research and clinical data should be used as reference purposes only, results may vary.

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