Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, leading to liver problems, including cirrhosis. People with hepatitis C need medication to control it. These drugs can help ease symptoms.
In the initials stages, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection will not cause symptoms, but it is important to treat the disease in order to prevent complications from hepatitis C, such as liver cirrhosis.
In the United States, hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of liver cancer and liver transplants.
Hepatitis C is curable, but curing it completely is not always been easy or comfortable. For years, patients need painful shots of interferon and pills like ribavirin. These drugs do not directly target or kill the virus, but they boost your immune system so you would fight the virus.
These days, more and more people can get rid of hepatitis C by simply taking a pill, at home, for just a few weeks, according to WebMD. There are several ways to do it without having to get shots.
Medicines used for the treatment of hepatitis C include:
- Daclatasvir (Daklinza)
- Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)
- Elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier)
- Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
- Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (Harvoni)
- Ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with dasabuvir (Viekira Pak)
- Simeprevir (Generic Olysio)
- Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)
- Sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir (Vosevi)
In 2016, Australian researchers reported that low-cost generic antiviral drugs are as safe and effective as expensive brand-name drugs in treating hepatitis C.
The author of the study Dr. James Freeman of GP2U Telehealth, Hobart, said, “Our interim data suggests a potential solution for hepatitis C patients in areas where treatment access has been restricted as a result of the high prices demanded for branded treatment.”
The researchers found that generic direct-acting antiviral drugs such as sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, daclatasvir, and ribavirin (Rebetol) were as effective as their branded versions.
Dr. Freeman explained, “At the price level of generic direct-acting antivirals, treating the entire global hepatitis C epidemic could be financially feasible. Furthermore, if a patient is cured of hepatitis C, there is evidence for improved survival and lower risks of liver cancer and liver cirrhosis.”
Another researcher said there is a clear role for generic drugs for people with hepatitis C.
Dr. Laurent Castera, Professor of Hepatology, said, “The implications of increased availability of these drugs could be enormous, presenting more people with the possibility of a ‘cure’ for what is often a debilitating condition.” The article was published on WebMD and Healthline.
