for Veterans and the Public

Only patients with hepatitis C in their blood (chronic hepatitis C infection) are considered for therapy. In general, doctors suggest treatment if you:

• have a liver biopsy that showed damage (usually a moderate amount of fibrosis or more)
• are motivated to undergo treatment
• are willing to comply with the necessary steps and tests and visits for treatment
• were very recently (acutely) infected with hepatitis C, within the past 6 months
• are coinfected with HIV or hepatitis B

If you want to start treatment for hepatitis C, speak with your VA doctor. It is a good idea to talk about any concerns you have before you start treatment. You and your doctor will decide if treatment is right for you and which medicines might work.