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Hepatitis C: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Jan 30, 2023

Finding out that you have hepatitis C can be unexpected. You'll probably have lots of questions. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • What tests will I need to have?

  • Do I need to have a small piece of my liver taken out and checked under a microscope (a liver biopsy)?

  • What type (genotype) of hepatitis C do I have?

  • Are there any signs that my liver is damaged?

  • If I decide to have treatment, which one is best for me?

  • What can I expect during treatment?

  • Does the treatment have side effects?

  • If I decide not to have treatment yet, how will you watch my condition?

  • How likely am I to get rid of the hepatitis C virus if I have treatment?

  • How can I be certain not to pass the virus to anyone else?

  • What can I do to stay as healthy as possible?

  • Can I drink alcohol?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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