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| The Different Types of Hepatitis* |
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Hepatitis A: |
is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A can affect anyone. In the United States, hepatitis A can occur in situations ranging from isolated cases of disease to widespread epidemics. |
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Hepatitis B: |
is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. |
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Hepatitis C: |
is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. |
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Hepatitis D: |
is a defective virus that needs the hepatitis B virus to exist. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found in the blood of persons infected with the virus. |
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Hepatitis E: |
is a virus (HEV) transmitted in much the same way as hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis E, however, does not often occur in the United States. |
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*HepatitisMedication.com only sells medication
to treat Hepatitis C. |
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| About The Treatment... |
| Treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a combination of two drugs — a long-acting form of interferon called peginterferon and another drug called ribavirin. In Canada, the combination of peginterferon and ribavirin is sold together (bundled) in box and called PegIntron + Rebetol. The long-acting interferon is taken by injection once weekly, while ribavirin comes in the form of capsules and is taken twice daily. Side effects from combination therapy include fever, headache, tiredness and sometimes depression. |
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| How does peginterferon work? |
| Interferon-alfa is the name of a chemical messenger, or cytokine, made by cells in your body. This cytokine has at least two important roles: |
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It protects your cells from infection by HCV. |
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It helps your immune system fight HCV. |
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| The "peg" in peginterferon stands for polyethylene glycol. When peg is attached to interferon, it provides a protective barrier that shields the interferon from being broken down, thus prolonging the time it remains in the blood. Regular interferon needs to be injected at least three times weekly. Peginterferon only has to be injected once a week and appears to be stronger than regular interferon. |
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| What is ribavirin and how is it used? |
| Ribavirin, also known as Copegus, is a type of drug called a nucleoside analogue, or simply a "nuke." When taken by itself, ribavirin is a weak drug. However, when taken together with peginterferon, the combination is powerful. Most PHAs take ribavirin at doses between 800 and 1,200 mg/day, depending on their weight. Ribavirin is taken orally with meals. |
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