hep c

[tygrod]

Is it necessary to quit alcohol six months before hep c treatment

[zarmar]

You unwittingly hit a nerve, Tygrod.  Some of our members have struggled and suffered terribly with alcoholism.  Yours is a hard question to answer in the context of when to quit so you can be approved for tx rather than quitting because drinking is death.  Those of us diagnosed have mostly come to know this.  Many of us even with cure will have issues from the HCV and side effects of multiple tx courses for the rest of our lives.  If you choose to drink, drink.  If you choose treatment, stop drinking.  Halfway measures will be unsatisfying for you at best.  

Good luck with your decision.  I hope it works out. for you.

[nursehepc]

I assume that the 6 months question related to treatment is something that your read regarding the required abstinence period from alcohol in order to be considered for transplant?

This requirement is not translated over to a pre-requisite for Hep C treatment. That said, I imagine there are some insurance plans and some treatment centers that may require alcohol abstinence before they approve you for treatment (e.g., if they think you are an actively heavy drinker).

Ultimately, although I used to like a pint of a micro brew this time of year outside at the beach, I find that I can enjoy my cucumber/lime water just as much.

Even though my hepatologist has on record that I haven't had a drink in years, he confirms with me every other time I see him that I am not drinking. Another reason (other than the additional damage that alcohol consumption can cause) for not drinking, is that there are concerns that noncompliance with the rather expensive treatment protocol as a result of alcohol consumption may occur jeopardizing the treatment effectiveness.

Ultimately, this is a discussion that you should have with your Dr. But, as others have advised, it would be best if you abstain from alcohol till such time as he will recommend strongly that you abstain from alcohol. If it is a problem (drinking), perhaps you are "ready" to tackle it... If that is the case, I wish you luck. Perhaps this is the first step, and the second step will be erradicating your hepatitis C. How cool would that be? Alcohol is not the center of your life...life is...  Jo

[Livelife777]

No Ty, it is not mandatory to quit drinking before treatment.  If you have Hep C, your liver is already being destroyed on its own without alcohol.   Should you want to get healthy, avoiding alcohol prior to taking the new meds is honestly the way to go.   Once you clear the virus, and if and when you liver has returned to normal, then an occasional glass here or there is OK.  Look at it this way, everytime you drink while having Hep C, basically your liver is damaged as tho you took 10 shots, instead of 1.  Once you destroy your liver, you can NEVER drink again, even if your Hep C is cured.  
The decision is yours, but I would strongly urge you to abstain.
Take care and Be well.           ...Kim

[Giddyup5]

Tygrod,

If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis no one will tell you that it is ok to drink alcohol. That being said you do so at great risk of advancing serious liver disease. Try not to drink . It is not ok with the doctors trying to help you.
They do not want to hear that you drink alcohol. Of what I know the medicine will work if you drink less then 6 months before starting ,  just not a good idea.
Good luck on your treatment.