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HCV / HIV Coinfection

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Wed, 2009-04-22 16:30

Ask a question about the coinfection of HIV and HCV.

Response to HIV/HCV (Hep C) medications

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Thu, 2010-03-04 13:07.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS (and Hep C) information.

The short answer to your question is that it depends. Is there a specific question that you have regarding treatment of both at the same time?

Many HIV meds are processed by the liver. Hep C attacks & harms the liver. Sometimes doctors will treat Hep C first.

There is treatment available for both but there are a number of different factors that will determine if it’s the right way to go (how healthy is the liver, CD4 counts…among other issues). How well one might respond to the treatment, also needs to be considered. It needs to be monitored very closely, if it is chosen. Health care professionals that specialize in liver function are often consulted if the doctor does not have a great knowledge base around the liver.

Here is a link to some more information about the subject from CATIE (Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange):

http://www.catie.ca/pdf/Brochures/HEPCENG.pdf

Ultimately, it would be a decision made in consultation with a health care professional.

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,

Heidi

AIDS Vancouver Helpline

Help line direct: 604.696.4666