Hepatitis C

How CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy® can help

Hepatitis C is a condition that causes liver inflammation. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with a diagnosis, the good news is that treatment and medications are available that can cure the virus in over 95% of cases.¹

What is Hepatitis C?¹

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver. It’s caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The virus can be classified as either acute or chronic, depending on the case.

Most people with hepatitis C don’t notice symptoms at first. But if left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to more serious health problems, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

Common symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

If you have hepatitis C, it’s important to work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.


Treating hepatitis C involves taking antiviral medications for a period of 8–24 weeks, depending on your case.

Treatment of hepatitis C can help to suppress the virus and prevent it from damaging the liver. Effective treatment depends on the extent of HCV infection, the strain (genotype) of the virus, and whether or not there is liver damage present.²

CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy offers medications to treat hepatitis C, as directed by your prescriber.


Most patients develop side effects from their medication after starting treatment. These range from mild to severe and typically go away after the virus is cleared from the body:²

  • Aches and pains
  • Anemia
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Itchy skin
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
...

Getting involved with your community

Whether it’s joining a support group or contributing to message boards, you can make a difference for others living with hepatitis C. 

Specialists who work remotely to support you wherever you are

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Emotional support

Get 1-on-1 support from healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you manage any stress or anxiety.

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Financial assistance

Don’t stress the bills. We work with financial assistance programs like grants, foundations and manufacturers to help you get the care you deserve. We’ll also assist you with the application process.  

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Clinical guidance

Receive personalized support regularly and instructions on how to take your meds. We’ll also work with your doctor to adjust your therapy if you’re experiencing side effects.

Sources

  1. "Hepatitis C," World Health Organization, last accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
  2. Treating Hepatitis C,” American Liver Foundation, last accessed Feb. 1, 2024.