What if I Am HIV-positive?
If you are HIV-positive, you should know that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved PEGASYS and COPEGUS® (Ribavirin,
USP) to treat hepatitis C in people who also have HIV.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you have both HIV and hepatitis C:
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Many HIV infected patients in large clinical studies have been successfully
treated with PEGASYS and COPEGUS
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Generally, PEGASYS and COPEGUS are taken the same way by people with both HIV
and hepatitis C as those with hepatitis C only
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People with HIV and hepatitis C coinfection have many of the same concerns and
should take many of the same steps as other people with hepatitis C:
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Be tested for and/or vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B
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Limit or eliminate alcohol use
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Take steps to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis C
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Some HIV medicines may interact with PEGASYS and/or COPEGUS. Make sure your
doctor knows all the medicines you are taking, and be sure to ask if PEGASYS or
COPEGUS is contraindicated with your HIV medicine
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Patients with both HIV and hepatitis C treated with PEGASYS have a slightly
higher risk of developing liver failure than those who only have hepatitis C
An important thing to remember is that even today, many people with HIV are
hospitalized with or die from liver disease related to hepatitis C. By acting
now, you are giving yourself a chance at better liver health.
Continue
to learn how to take PEGASYS