Deciding whether to treat HCV

Deciding whether or not to treat hepatitis C is an individual and

complex decision. Some people really need HCV treatment now. It
may be a bridge until newer, more effective, and less toxic therapies
are available. Medical need is one of several other factors to be
taken into account.
You may know early on whether it is necessary to use the full course
of HCV treatment. If, after 12 weeks, it looks like treatment will not
work for you, you may decide to stop.

Advantages of using HCV treatment

You can clear the virus.
Treatment can improve liver health by reducing inflammation.
It may also reverse fibrosis. This can happen even in people
who do not clear the virus, although less often.
It will stop the risk of passing HCV to sexual and drug-using
partners.
Clearing the virus removes the risk of mother-to-infant
transmission.
Treating HCV before starting HIV treatment will reduce the risk
of liver toxicity from HIV drugs.
The treatment period is likely to be only 12 to 18 months,
not lifelong.
Treatment may reduce the risk of long-term complications,
including liver cancer, even in people who do not clear HCV.