There’s A Real Chance To Stop This Miserable, Fatal Infection
“Dying from hepatitis C is a notoriously miserable way to go. The virus attacks your liver ― in many cases, destroying its ability to make proteins and filter blood. You might not notice at first, because it can inflict damage gradually and “silently” until finally you start to feel symptoms that could include fatigue, jaundice, mental disorientation, severe itching and joint pain. Your belly could fill up with so much fluid that doctors have to drain it, while gastrointestinal difficulties might have you vomiting up blood. This could go on for months or years, and eventually your liver could fail completely. A transplant might save you, but only if you can get one, and only if it works.”
Combination Hepatitis C Therapy Efficacious in Those With Previously Untreated Acute Infection
“An 8-week course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) treatment was a safe and effective treatment for adults and adolescents with previously untreated acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, according to a study presented at The Liver Meeting 2023 from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Therapy demonstrated a virologic response at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12) rate, which was superior to the prior efficacy threshold.”
Hep C: More than 70% of Bristolians ‘know nothing’ of virus
“A man diagnosed with Hepatitis C says he is proof it can be treated and cured as he urges others to get tested. Keith Hathaway, 48, from Bristol, is supporting European Testing Week (ETW) – a health initiative that aims to increase blood testing efforts.”
New York State Department of Health Releases Hepatitis B and C Annual Report
“ALBANY, N.Y. (November 22, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health today released the Hepatitis B and C Annual Report 2022, which highlights decreases in newly reported acute hepatitis B cases, hepatitis C cases, and acute hepatitis C cases from 2021 to 2022. “Hepatitis C can be a life-threatening disease, yet I am thankful this disease is treatable and curable,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “All New Yorkers should talk to their doctors about their risk and getting tested and treated if they are determined to have this disease.” From 2021 to 2022, newly reported acute hepatitis B cases declined 21 percent, newly reported chronic hepatitis C cases declined 15 percent, and newly reported acute hepatitis C cases declined 9 percent.”
Second Generation DAA Agents Have Increased Hep C Treatment Globally
“An analysis of global data is providing hepatologists and other care providers insight into how the introduction of second-generation direct-acting antivirals has impacted the treatment of hepatitis C virus. Presented at The Liver Meeting 2023 from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, results of the study demonstrate the addition of next-generation direct-acting antivirals has contributed to increased uptake of hepatitis C treatments, with this impact most apparent in low- and middle-income countries.”
COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Liver Disease
“A new study found the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Liver Disease. Patients with severe liver disease infected by COVID-19, caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have high death rates. A recent study, examining the prevalence and outcome of chronic hepatitis C patients admitted with COVID-19, found the mortality rate of patients with hepatic diseases infected by COVID-19 was 54.5%. Patients with HCV had a morality rate of 46.4%, and patients without HCV had a morality rate of 73.3%.”
Pharmacists Vital for Ensuring Hepatitis C Is Cured
“Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) experience severe morbidity and mortality, including potentially fatal cirrhosis or liver cancer (SN Compr Clin Med 2020;2[12]:2808-2815). Although more than 95% of HCV can be cured with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), confirming effective treatment requires a test for sustained virologic response (SVR) at least 12 weeks after completion of therapy, and many patients do not complete this testing regimen.”
