Alternative Medicine

Many people who feel ill may add alternative therapies to medicines they get from the pharmacy. Alternative medicine treats people by using herbs, food supplements, and different diets. It can also include physical activity, acupuncture, massage therapy and other practices.

• Questions and answers about alternative medicine
• Herbs and food supplements
• Keeping your doctor informed

Questions and answers about alternative medicine

Q: Can alternative medicine get rid of the hepatitis C virus?
A: There is no scientific evidence that alternative medicine can get rid of the hepatitis C virus.¹²

Q: Does alternative medicine help people with hepatitis C?
A: Alternative medicine may help hepatitis C patients. Some herbal remedies, for example, have been shown to help protect the liver, reduce the symptoms of hepatitis C, and improve total health. But none have been proven to clear the body of the hepatitis C virus.¹² Be sure to ask your doctor before using alternative medicines.

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Herbs and food supplements

Some people with hepatitis C take herbs and food supplements. There are some that doctors consider safe. But there are others that should never be taken because they can damage the liver or have other harmful effects.

If you do take herbs for hepatitis C, remember: they won't remove the virus.

Other things you should know about herbs and food supplements

• Just because an herb is natural doesn’t mean that it’s safe
• The label on a bottle of supplements might not give an accurate description of what’s inside. Although prescription medication has to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), supplements don’t. So before you take any of these products, it’s best to talk to your doctor

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Keeping your doctor informed

• Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking megavitamin or any supplements. They may hurt your liver. If your doctor says you need extra vitamins and/or minerals, you should take a low-dose supplement or vitamin that doesn’t contain any iron. (Your iron levels may already be higher than normal if you have hepatitis C. Your doctor can tell you if iron-rich foods or supplements are safe)
• Talk to your doctor before taking large doses of extra strong multivitamins. Be sure to discuss multivitamins with iron and how they may hurt your liver
• Remember, always let your doctor know if you are taking any alternative medicines or vitamins, even if they aren’t for your liver. That's because different vitamins and medicines may cause reactions when taken together. It is always better to be safe than sorry

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