Side effects and management strategies

The side effects from hepatitis C treatment can be difficult, and, rarely, even life-threatening, and occur more often in people who are HIV-positive. The information in this guide includes ways to manage these side effects.

With the right planning and support, the impact of side effects can be reduced. Ask your doctor how he/she will treat your side effects.

Support from other people with HCV, friends, and family before and during HCV treatment plays a key role in coping with this difficult aspect of treatment.

I think that to be informed about the disease is the best support that you can have initially. To have a real picture of what is going on can be the more helpful to avoid fear and anxiety. On the other hand, support and counselling  are essential when deciding to start treatment. The treatment can have very disturbing side effects and to be informed about them and how to manage them is crucial for a better chance of success. This is especially true regarding physiological disorders. I also think that peer support is very useful.