Frequently
Asked
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


For answers to your questions about Hep C and treatment, the Hep C Hope Line is here to help with patient support.

Live Hep C Educators are available to connect you with the patient resources you need, including information about Hep C symptoms, Hep C testing, and Hep C treatments.

Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

Below are answers to some Hep C–related questions you might have right now.


 

  • HEP C BASICS

      • What is Hep C?

          • Hep C is a serious virus that infects the liver and is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person.

          • There are six main types of Hep C, each of which can cause severe and permanent liver damage if left untreated. But the good news is, all can be cured.

          LEARN ABOUT HEP C BASICS

      • How does someone get Hep C?

          • Using drugs that involve needles or straws

          • Using unsterilized tattoo equipment

          • Having sex with a person infected with Hep C

          • Sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes

          • Receiving needlestick injuries in healthcare settings

          • Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 
            1992

          • Being born to a mother with Hep C

      • What are the symptoms of Hep C?

          • Hep C is sometimes known as the “silent disease” because some people show Hep C symptoms while others live for years without any obvious signs of Hep C.

          • Either way, don’t wait for symptoms of Hep C to appear. By the time they do, your liver may be severely damaged.

          • Click to see a full list of chronic Hep C symptoms you may experience once your liver has been damaged.

          SEE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEP C

      • How do I get a Hep C blood test?

          • The simple, one-time Hep C blood test is covered by most private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare plans, but testing for Hep C is not usually part of routine blood work.

          • Call your healthcare professional before your next appointment to have the Hep C blood test added to your lab order.

          LEARN ABOUT HEP C TESTING

  • HEP C TREATMENT

      • I just found out I have Hep C, now what?

          • A Hep C diagnosis may feel overwhelming, and you might ask yourself, “What was the cause of my Hep C?”

          • You are not alone.

          • Hep C Educators are waiting to answer your questions, and connect you to the right Hep C treatment resources.

          SPEAK WITH A HEP C EDUCATOR


          Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

      • Why should I treat my Hep C?

          • Left untreated, chronic Hep C can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.

          • However, Hep C can be cured.

          • Ask your healthcare professional about today’s Hep C treatments, which have cure rates of 95% or higher, without the harsh side effects of previous medicines.

          Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed.

          LEARN ABOUT TREATING HEP C

      • What Hep C treatments are available?

          • There are several kinds of Hep C treatments available.

          • Hep C treatments work in different ways and are not all the same.

          • Most of today's Hep C treatments are taken by mouth for 12 weeks or less.

          • You and your healthcare professional should discuss which Hep C treatment option is best for you.

          • Or you can speak with a Hep C Educator who can answer your questions about Hep C treatments via the Hep C Hope Line, which is open 6 days a week and completely confidential.

          CALL FOR SUPPORT


          Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

      • What are the most common side effects of Hep C treatment?

          • Today’s Hep C treatments are not injections and do not have the harsh side effects of older medications.

          • Common side effects of today’s Hep C medications include headache and tiredness.

          • Most of today’s Hep C treatments are taken by mouth for 12 weeks or less.

          • Hep C treatment may affect how well other medicines work or cause additional side effects when combined.

          • Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take including birth control, antacids, and cholesterol treatments.

          LEARN ABOUT TREATING HEP C

      • Is there a chance my body will just cure itself?

          • Approximately 15% to 25% of people who get acute Hep C will not progress to chronic Hep C. These people are able to rid themselves of the virus without treatment.

          • About 75% to 85% of people progress to chronic Hep C and can only get rid of the Hep C virus with a prescription treatment.

          • Even if you think you were only recently infected, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional right away.

          FIND A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

      • Where else can I find information on Hep C screening and treatment?

          • Check out the latest recommendations about testing for Hep C and Hep C treatments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

          • The CDC recommends that all adults should get screened for Hep C.

          LEARN MORE FROM THE CDC


          The Hep C Hope Line is here to help.

          Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

  • HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND COST

      • What type of doctor should I see for Hep C?

          • Your regular healthcare professional can test and treat you for Hep C.

          • If your healthcare professional can’t treat you, ask to be referred to one who specializes in Hep C and is up to date on the latest scientific advances, including the latest Hep C treatments.

          • Healthcare professionals who specialize in Hep C can include gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

          FIND A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

      • How much does Hep C treatment cost?

          • It may be more affordable than you think because Hep C treatments are covered by most private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare plans.

          • Your healthcare professional will work with your insurance company to identify your coverage and possible financial support options.

          ASK ABOUT TREATMENT AFFORDABILITY


          Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

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