Treatments

This week I will talk about treatment for hepatitis C, which has come a long way in recent years. A variety of hepatitis C treatments are currently available and advances are being made in terms of new drug research and cost reduction of current medications.

What kinds of treatments are available for hepatitis C?

An acute hepatitis C infection can be treated and sometimes go away on its own. An acute infection will clear up independently in about 25% of people infected. However, treating an acute hepatitis C infection will reduce the risk of developing a chronic infection. 

What treatments are currently available for hepatitis C?

• Pegylated interferon - This treatment is a protein that is used by the body to fight off infection. This is given as an injection.

• Ribavirin - This medication is always used in conjunction with another form of treatment 

• Protease inhibitors - These medications work on the hepatitis C virus directly by inhibiting their ability to reproduce

• Simeprevir - This medication became available in 2013 and is used in combination with sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) 

• Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) - This pill is taken once a day and can be taken without supplemental ribavirin 

• Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni) - This is a direct-acting antiviral combination pill

• Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (Viekira Pak) - This is an interferon-free combination pill that can be used for people with a co-infection of HCV/HIV

What can someone with hepatitis C do to help with their own treatment?

• First, it is important to regularly visit your primary health care provider so they can help you manage symptoms and monitor your health. 

• Avoid alcohol consumption because it can damage the liver. 

• Talk to your primary care provider about any over the counter medications or supplements you are taking as certain medications can be harmful to the liver.

This video provides information about some of the latest treatments for hepatitis C

This NY Times articles provides additional information about the availability of the latest medications and the controversy around the price:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/business/high-cost-of-hepatitis-c-drug-prompts-a-call-to-void-its-patents.html?_r=0

References:
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm#cFAQ61
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/business/high-cost-of-hepatitis-c-drug-prompts-a-call-to-void-its-patents.html?_r=0
http://hepc.liverfoundation.org/treatment/the-basics-about-hepatitis-c-treatment/advances-in-medications/