Dr. Jorge Herrera, professor of internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, recently participated in a scholarly debate that was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.  Herrera, who is a liver disease specialist, advocated for liver disease specialists in promoting optimal care for hepatitis C patients.

Patients with hepatitis C have great concerns about their illness and how it will affect them, their family and friends. “Having the most up-to-date information about hepatitis C and the treatment of the disease helps ease the patient’s concerns,” explained Herrera.  A treatment strategy for the disease should be determined following an in-depth conversation between the patient and the healthcare provider.

Herrera pointed out that during the treatment of hepatitis C, patients should be closely monitored.  “The medication we use can have serious side effects.  Also, some patients after starting therapy may start skipping their medications to decrease side effects, significantly reducing the chance of a sustained response,” he said.  “Aggressive management of side effects allows patients to tolerate therapy better and achieve a better chance at a response,” he added.