Hepatitis C: Protecting Your Liver

Taking medicines to get rid of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the best way to prevent health problems linked to the HCV. But having good health habits is also important. Give your liver a fighting chance. Stay away from things that can make liver damage worse. And help your body fight the HCV by staying healthy.

Watch medicines and supplements

Some medicines and herbal supplements can harm your liver. To protect yourself:

• Check with your health care provider or pharmacist. Do this before taking anything you buy over the counter. This includes herbal medicines. The FDA doesn't regulate them. So it's hard to know which ones could harm your liver. They can cause serious side effects. And they may cause problems with your anti-HCV medicines.

• Avoid herbal supplements containing kava, valerian root, comfrey, shark cartilage, and skullcap. They can cause serious liver damage. This is especially true in people who already have a liver disease like hepatitis C.

• Talk with your provider before taking a vitamin or nutritional supplement. High doses of some vitamins and minerals can harm your liver. These include:

  • Niacin.

  • Vitamin A.

  • Vitamin D.

  • Iron.

• Learn the generic and brand names of over-the-counter products that may harm your liver. Know which medicines have acetaminophen in them.

• Tell any provider who prescribes medicine for you that you have hepatitis C.

• If you have cirrhosis, get help from your provider. Don't take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen and ibuprofen. They can hurt your kidney.

Don't drink alcohol

Your liver works hard to process alcohol. If you have HCV infection, drinking alcohol may make you more likely to get cirrhosis. You may also develop it faster. It is not known if there is a safe amount of alcohol to drink. It's best not to drink any alcohol. If you do, and have trouble stopping, ask your provider for help.

Get tested

Get tested for hepatitis A and B. New antiviral therapies can bring back past hepatitis B infections. So your provider must test you for hepatitis B before starting treatment. You can get vaccines against them. Ask your provider about getting the shots. If you have viral hepatitis, you should also be checked for HIV.

Stay healthy

Your body can fight infections better when you're healthy. Here are some ways to keep your body strong and help protect your liver:

• Eat healthy foods.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Stay upbeat to help you keep hepatitis C in perspective.

• Exercise most days of the week. Try low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. They can help you lose weight and improve your appetite. They can also boost your immune system and lower stress and depression.

• Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Lose weight if you need to. Your provider can help.

• Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Control diabetes, if you have it.

• Keep your follow-up provider visits.

• Change your work schedule. Take breaks often or rest when you can. This will help you be less tired.