HCV TREATMENT

Side Effects of HCV Treatment and Impact on the Patient's Adherence to the Treatment

Abstract

Several studies on the side effects of HCV treatment and impact on the patient's adherence to the treatment have been renewed. There were studies that were based on HCV and the side effects of the treatment. Some studies have revealed that the side effects of HCV force the patient to reduce the dosage that they are receiving while some patients have to stop the treatment completely. Each study revealed the side effects of HCV and the ways in which it impacts the adherence of the patient with regards to treatment. This review will consist of four studies that will determine the impact of treatment on HCV patients.

Keywords: HCV treatment, compliance, adherence, side effects, interferon, ribavirin.

Side Effects of HCV Treatment and Impact on the Patient's Adherence to the Treatment

Introduction

Purnell & Paulanka (2008) have discovered that currently Hepatitis C is one of the most common infection that is persisting in the US. Estimates reveal that more than four million people living in the United States are infected by Hepatitis C. However, the number of people worldwide who are affected by this are 170 million. Davies (2002) said that after getting infected by the infection, there are 80% people who develop hepatic carcinoma or liver cirrhosis.. Leininger (2002) has revealed that there are many side effects that have an impact on the individuals who are affected by Hepatitis C. It is because of these side effects that the patient has to either reduce or to discontinue the therapy. Carmichael & Ratzan (1991) told about a statement about HCV infection that was made by National Institutes of Health Consensus. This statement says that for a patient to get the correct results, it is essential to take the dose of treatment for a period of time that has been prescribed. However, side effects can negatively affect this goal. Therefore, it is vital to manage the side effects at the initial stages and as appropriate.

Purpose

Topic Statement

HCV treatment results in various side effects that have a negative impact on the patients.

Research Questions

To further enhance the research, the findings with reference to the side effects of HCV treatment should be more specific.

Role of interferon and rebavirin.

Quality of life of the patient.

Frequency of treatment dosage and if patients should opt for alternatives or discontinue the treatment.

Common signs and symptoms of the side effects.

For this literature review, the hypothesis that have been defined is the more severe side effects patient experience during the treatment, the more the treatment affects patient's quality of life because of which the chance of treatment regiment alternation is also high which results in reduction of dosage, dosage skipping or treatment discontinuation.

Methodology

Key Words

Studies have been identified by EBSCOhost and searches have been used by using specific key words:

HCV treatment - Hepatitis C is an infectious disease that affects the liver primarily and the cause of this disease is hepatitis C ...