Like most patients, you probably have many questions about your diagnosis of hepatitis C. This is normal and you may even feel overwhelmed by what lies ahead.
To help you get the most out of your next doctor visit, prepare by printing this page and answering the questions below. Discuss the questions you don't know with your doctor. The more knowledge you have, the more control you will have over your condition and its treatment.
I. Yes or No
Which of these statements best describes you and your understanding?
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
 |
|
I know about combination therapy (like PEGINTRON®) and how it works. |
|
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I know why combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin may work more effectively for me, versus non-pegylated interferon |
|
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I am aware about the commitment to therapy and the length of treatment. |
II. Frequently Asked Questions
It is great if you can already answer or find the answer to all of these questions. If you would like your doctor to provide more details, then bring this list with you to your next appointment. The goal is to answer all of your questions and concerns.
About PEGINTRON® Combination Therapy:
| Ask | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Is PEGINTRON®
combination therapy right for me? |
||
| How important are relapse rates when choosing my
treatment? |
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| How does my weight influence my prescribed dosage of pegylated
interferon and my chances of clearing the virus? |
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| What happens if I miss an injection? |
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| Will my normal activities need to change? |
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| How long will my treatment last? |
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| What are the most common side effects? |
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| When will I know if the virus is gone? |
About My Personal Life:
| Ask | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Can I spread hepatitis C to my
family? |
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| Can I hug and kiss my family? |
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| Does my dentist or other health care professional need to
know? |
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| Should I tell my boss? |
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| Can I have sex? |
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| Is it okay to get pregnant? |
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| Is it okay to have a drink now and then? |
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| Do I need any other vaccinations? |
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| If I used IV drugs in the past, will the medicine still
work? |
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| Can I exercise? |
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| Can I travel? |
III. Other questions I have:
| Question | Answer | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
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