Today's News
March 5
March 5
Discounted drugs end the buyers' club era for Hepatitis C sufferers
The Canberra Times
Georgina Connery
The Canberra Times
Georgina Connery
Treatment for Hepatitis C became drastically more affordable this week when four new-generation medicines were added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
By Laignee Barron | Friday, 04 March 2016Beware of fake hepatitis medication The World Health Organization has warned hepatitis C patients that counterfeit medications are being sold in Myanmar.
Drugs branded as “Ledso” and “Dakavir” are fakes, according to an alert put out by the WHO.
The WHO said it was notified of the drugs by a local NGO. The medications were listed as being manufactured by pharmaceutical company PHARCO based in Alexandria, Egypt. The company denied manufacturing drugs under either name.
“If you are in possession of these products, please do not use them, contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible for advice and report the incident as indicated above,” the WHO alert said.
The drugs claim to be versions of Daclatasvir and a combination of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir, all relatively new medications used to treat chronic hepatitis C.
Dr Jorge Luna, country director for the WHO, said it remains unclear what the fake pills actually contain.
“Laboratory analysis is pending so as to better assess the threat posed to public health,” he said.
He added that the WHO is not aware who is manufacturing or supplying the drugs, but that the Ministry of Health has been informed.
The alert comes just after results of a nationwide survey released in January revealed that nearly 10 percent of the country suffers from either hepatitis B or C, with over 1.3 million people living with hepatitis C. Both viruses affect the liver, can cause cancer and are usually transmitted through bodily fluids.
The Food and Drug Administration yesterday confirmed it was aware of the counterfeit medications, and will send out a public alert soon.
Watch: This Week in Managed Care: March 5, 2016
Seniors must pay more out of pocket for prescriptions, but because inflation has remained flat, their Social Security payments have not kept pace—in fact, there was no increase in 2016. AARP found the average annual cost of the 622 drugs commonly used in Medicare was $11,341 in 2013, more than twice the average cost from 2006. Most of that increase is due to skyrocketing costs in specialty pharmacy—which includes drugs for cancer and hepatitis C.
Foreign patients turn to India for cut-price cures - Taipei Times
Taipei Times39 mins ago - When doctors told Australian Greg Jefferys he had hepatitis C and the disease was destroying his liver, the devastating diagnosis was compounded by the cost
'Black Death' Offers Clues to Battling HIV and Hepatitis C Centuries Later
Taipei Times39 mins ago - When doctors told Australian Greg Jefferys he had hepatitis C and the disease was destroying his liver, the devastating diagnosis was compounded by the cost
'Black Death' Offers Clues to Battling HIV and Hepatitis C Centuries Later
CINCINNATI—The Black Death swept Europe in the 14th century eliminating up to half of the population but it left genetic clues that now may aid a University of Cincinnati (UC) researcher in treating HIV patients co-infected with hepatitis C using an anti-retroviral drug therapy.
Kenneth Sherman, MD, PhD, Gould Professor of Medicine, says he will look at the blood samples of nearly 3,000 patients, primarily individuals with hemophilia, who were exposed to HIV during the early 1980s and late 1990s, to see if an inherited genetic variant that protects against HIV might also help prevent injury from Hepatitis C and other liver diseases.
Kenneth Sherman, MD, PhD, Gould Professor of Medicine, says he will look at the blood samples of nearly 3,000 patients, primarily individuals with hemophilia, who were exposed to HIV during the early 1980s and late 1990s, to see if an inherited genetic variant that protects against HIV might also help prevent injury from Hepatitis C and other liver diseases.
New York attorney general probes insurers over hepatitis C drug coverage
EMA panel recommends approval of DAA regimen for HCV with cirrhosis
Healio
“This positive CHMP opinion brings us one step closer to delivering a ribavirin-free treatment option for GT1b patients with compensated cirrhosis that has demonstrated high cure rates with no treatment discontinuations in our clinical trial,” Michael ...
Senator Al Franken has introduced a bill to eliminate tax breaks given to drug makers for advertising medicines to consumers.
Called the Protecting Americans from Drug Marketing Act, the bill is designed to encourage companies to focus on developing new medicines, instead of “marketing schemes,” according to US Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) who introduced the legislation on Thursday.EMA panel recommends approval of DAA regimen for HCV with cirrhosis
Healio
“This positive CHMP opinion brings us one step closer to delivering a ribavirin-free treatment option for GT1b patients with compensated cirrhosis that has demonstrated high cure rates with no treatment discontinuations in our clinical trial,” Michael ...
Senator Al Franken has introduced a bill to eliminate tax breaks given to drug makers for advertising medicines to consumers.
10 hours ago
Express Scripts' Hepatitis Cure Value Program® solved the unprecedented challenge of providing hepatitis C treatment to all who need it and saving clients tens ...
Mar 3
Medical Xpress
"Our findings demonstrate that the damaging effects of liver cirrhosis in laboratory rats can be effectively treated, and perhaps even reversed, using a protein therapeutic that has been modified to enhance its activity through site-specific ...
SVR rates remain unchanged despite resistance-associated variants
BOSTON — The presence or absence of resistance-associated variants in patients with hepatitis C virus infection did not hinder sustained virologic response rates after treatment with Viekira Pak, according to a Late Breaker presented at CROI 2016.
Medical Xpress
"Our findings demonstrate that the damaging effects of liver cirrhosis in laboratory rats can be effectively treated, and perhaps even reversed, using a protein therapeutic that has been modified to enhance its activity through site-specific ...
SVR rates remain unchanged despite resistance-associated variants
BOSTON — The presence or absence of resistance-associated variants in patients with hepatitis C virus infection did not hinder sustained virologic response rates after treatment with Viekira Pak, according to a Late Breaker presented at CROI 2016.
Mar 1
Physicians Greet New HCV Drug Zepatier Cautiously
The debut of a new drug called elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier, Merck) for adults infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 4 has not generated much excitement among physicians, at least not yet, according to a Medscape Medical News survey.
Treatment options of patients with chronic hepatitis C who have failed prior therapy
The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has provided physicians with a toolbox to achieve near-universal cure of hepatitis C. Combinations of nucleoside polymerase inhibitors (sofosbuvir), nonnucleoside polymerase inhibitors (dasabuvir), protease inhibitors (PIs; simeprevir, paritaprevir, grazoprevir), and NS5A inhibitors (ledipasvir, ombitasvir, daclatasvir, elbasvir, velpatasvir) have proved highly effective for eradicating HCV.
Biomarkers for the diagnosis of fibrosis in chronic Hepatitis C and B
The latest publication of the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics compares biomarkers for the diagnosis of fibrosis in chronic Hepatitis C and B.
AARP: Price hikes doubled average drug price over 7 years
Physicians Greet New HCV Drug Zepatier Cautiously
The debut of a new drug called elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier, Merck) for adults infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 4 has not generated much excitement among physicians, at least not yet, according to a Medscape Medical News survey.
Treatment options of patients with chronic hepatitis C who have failed prior therapy
The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has provided physicians with a toolbox to achieve near-universal cure of hepatitis C. Combinations of nucleoside polymerase inhibitors (sofosbuvir), nonnucleoside polymerase inhibitors (dasabuvir), protease inhibitors (PIs; simeprevir, paritaprevir, grazoprevir), and NS5A inhibitors (ledipasvir, ombitasvir, daclatasvir, elbasvir, velpatasvir) have proved highly effective for eradicating HCV.
Biomarkers for the diagnosis of fibrosis in chronic Hepatitis C and B
The latest publication of the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics compares biomarkers for the diagnosis of fibrosis in chronic Hepatitis C and B.
AARP: Price hikes doubled average drug price over 7 years
Publication Updates
Insights into the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinomas with hepatobiliary MRI
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) has increased worldwide in line with an improved screening by high-resolution imaging of cirrhotic livers. Besides abdominal ultrasonography and computerised tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool to detect HCCs. With commercialisation of MR hepatobiliary contrast agents that cross membrane transporters in hepatocytes or tumour cells, MRI adds new information to detect and characterise HCCs. When tumour cells lose organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP1B1/B3) in cell membranes facing sinusoidal blood, tumours appear hypointense (decreased contrast agent concentrations) in comparison to surrounding normal or cirrhotic liver that retains OATP1B1/B3 expression. However, expression, regulation, and prognostic significance of transporter evolution along carcinogenesis are not completely known. Moreover, understanding signal intensities in focal lesions also relies on transport functions of cellular efflux transporters. This manuscript reviews all the publications that associate liver imaging with hepatobiliary contrast agents and expression of transporters. The regulation of transporters along carcinogenesis to anticipate the prognosis of focal lesions is also included.
Concordance of sustained virologic response at weeks 4, 12 and 24 post-treatment of hepatitis C in the era of new oral direct-acting antivirals: A concise review
Insights into the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinomas with hepatobiliary MRI
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) has increased worldwide in line with an improved screening by high-resolution imaging of cirrhotic livers. Besides abdominal ultrasonography and computerised tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool to detect HCCs. With commercialisation of MR hepatobiliary contrast agents that cross membrane transporters in hepatocytes or tumour cells, MRI adds new information to detect and characterise HCCs. When tumour cells lose organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP1B1/B3) in cell membranes facing sinusoidal blood, tumours appear hypointense (decreased contrast agent concentrations) in comparison to surrounding normal or cirrhotic liver that retains OATP1B1/B3 expression. However, expression, regulation, and prognostic significance of transporter evolution along carcinogenesis are not completely known. Moreover, understanding signal intensities in focal lesions also relies on transport functions of cellular efflux transporters. This manuscript reviews all the publications that associate liver imaging with hepatobiliary contrast agents and expression of transporters. The regulation of transporters along carcinogenesis to anticipate the prognosis of focal lesions is also included.
Concordance of sustained virologic response at weeks 4, 12 and 24 post-treatment of hepatitis C in the era of new oral direct-acting antivirals: A concise review
The goal of treatment for chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection is to cure the infection rather than suppress the virus. Historically, a sustained virological response (SVR) defined as undetectable HCV RNA at 24 weeks following the completion of treatment was considered the gold standard to define successful eradication of the virus as a primary endpoint in clinical trials. SVR measured at 12 weeks post-treatment has been shown to be highly concordant with SVR24 in trials of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The appropriateness and durability of SVR12 as the efficacy endpoint with new oral direct-acting antivirals is less established.
This version of the Guidance has been updated to reflect several important developments, including the recent approval of elbasvir/grazoprevir, together with new information regarding the use of testing for HCV resistance associated variants.
The Real Cost of Hepatitis C Treatment: Part 2
Posted by Jack Bilson on Feb 26, 2016
It is critical that we understand that the new crop of Hep C treatments represent a medical breakthrough that dramatically improves and sustains life for a large swath of the population. Even at a high per patient cost for treatment, these drugs pay for themselves in the long haul. These politicians fail to understand the economic and moral value in eliminating Hep C. The Real Cost of Hepatitis C Treatment: Part 2
Posted by Jack Bilson on Feb 26, 2016
Timely Access: The Waiting Game
Innovation in pharma is in itself a complex and drawn-out process – where inspiration and perspiration merge over years to produce a novel compound or molecule that will benefit human health. Yet while this process has been increasingly streamlined as science and technology progresses, drug approval processes remain a painstaking process that can significantly delay access to groundbreaking and effective therapies. Despite the central role of industry in healthcare delivery, outcomes and development, innovation in the form of lifesaving or life-prolonging medicines is now being scuppered by lengthy gaps between marketing...
March 2016 Newsletters
HepCBC’s MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
The hepc.bull, has been “Canada’s hepatitis C journal” since the late 1990′s and has been published nonstop since 2001. The monthly newsletter contains the latest research results, government policy changes, activities and campaigns you can get involved in, articles by patients and caregivers, and a list of support groups plus other useful links.
March Newsletter
hepc.bull -- 03 2016
In This Issue
A Word from Robin / Patients & RBV
It was back in the ‘90s that a few victims of Hep C got together to help all people with Hep C, through education and support. These brave few started what we now know as HepCBC and bonded a bunch of men and women from all over BC and from all walks of lifeWilliam’s Story
The pain was constant.
Day after day,
week after week, it
seemed to go on endlessly.
I started to
deal with the pain by
sleeping a lot. I had
been infected for
many years, and at first my body managed to
cope. I slowly broke down bit by bit. It’s a
slow and almost unnoticeable process. The
virus began to win. My body had done as
much as it could do. It sneaks up on you very
slowly.
Undetectable –Book Hep C
Award-winning poet and journalist Kim
Goldberg of Nanaimo, author of Where to
See Wildlife on Vancouver Island and Red
Zone (about urban homelessness) and winner
of several top poetry and alternative journalism
prizes, lived for over 40 years with
chronic hepatitis C. She never told anyone,
and thought she would never live to see a
cure for hepatitis C.
HEP C TREATMENT:
STILL A ROLE FOR IFN?
Unfortunately, there are some patients for
whom the new DAAs don’t have such good
success rates. Cure rates sometimes fall well
short of the high figures we are getting used
to seeing of 95%+. Often it is cirrhotic patients
and/or patients with GT3 who don’t do
so well, particularly those who are treatment experienced.
The new DAAs do work on
these patients, but there are treatment failures,
and that, we don’t want to see....
View All Newsletters, Here
Stay Connected
HCV Advocate
The HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research, and education.
March Issue
This month’s HCV Advocate newsletter is full of valuable information about hepatitis C.
HCV Drugs by Alan Franciscus
Harvoni: The Food and Drug Administration has granted Gilead new indications to treat people with HCV genotype 1 and 4 pre- and post-liver transplant. Read about the new indications along with the very high cure rates for people who have the highest need for treatment.
RG-101 is an injectable drug that has mid-study results. RG-101 is given at Day 1 and Day 29 along with currently approved HCV direct-acting antivirals. Check out the results – very impressive. These drugs have the potential to produce high cure rates and shorter treatment durations. A very intriguing new study is listed at the end of HCV Drugs.
HealthWise –by Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Hepatitis C Treatment and Cirrhosis – Lucinda discusses the importance of treating people with cirrhosis in this timely article to coincide with the FDA approval of the new indications for Harvoni.
SnapShots by Alan Franciscus
In this month’s Snapshots, I discuss treatment of decompensated cirrhosis with direct-acting antivirals, the use of statins in people with compensated cirrhosis, and an analysis of Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) phase 3 studies that compare the cure rates of blacks vs. non-black patients.
What’s Up!
We have updated this valuable module that includes the latest basic information about hepatitis C.
Acetaminophen: This is one of our most popular fact sheets – it has been reviewed and re-posted to our website. The fact sheet is available in English and Espanol.
Acetaminophen: This is one of our most popular fact sheets – it has been reviewed and re-posted to our website. The fact sheet is available in English and Espanol.
View all newsletters here....
Connect With HCV Advocate
NYC Hep C Task Force
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues. The groups come together to learn, share information and resources, network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community. Committees form to work on projects in order to meet needs identified by the community.
March 2016 Hep Free NYC Newsletter
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues. The groups come together to learn, share information and resources, network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community. Committees form to work on projects in order to meet needs identified by the community.
March 2016 Hep Free NYC Newsletter
Join us March 9 for the Brooklyn Hep C Task Force Meeting!
Get the latest data on Hep B and C in NYC for your reports, proposals and advocacy efforts!
Tell Congress by March 4 that viral hepatitis services need more funding!
Spread the word about an exciting new internship with Hep Free NYC!
GI & Hepatology News
GI & Hepatology News is the official newspaper of the AGA Institute and provides the gastroenterologist with timely and relevant news and commentary about clinical developments and about the impact of health-care policy. The newspaper is led by an internationally renowned board of editors.
GI & Hepatology Newsletter
March 2016 PDF ( 7.9MB)
March 2016 Interactive Version
Highlights
New HCV drug approved FDA approved Zepatier for hepatitis C genotypes
Hep C infection incidence rising in dialysis patientsThe CDC confirmed patient-to-patient transmission
MRI topped transient elastography for staging NAFLD
Click here to read this issue
Hep C infection incidence rising in dialysis patientsThe CDC confirmed patient-to-patient transmission
MRI topped transient elastography for staging NAFLD
Click here to read this issue
Stay connected
March HCV Action e-update
Gilead Viral Hepatitis Fellowship Programme open for entries
New treatments reach 90 day milestone
Prison report and guidance published by The Hepatitis C Trust
Click here to read this issue
View newsletter archive
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Liver Lowdown is the monthly general interest e-newsletter of the American Liver Foundation.
March Newsletter - Check Back
In The News: American Liver Foundation Seeks to Address Current Issues in Liver Health
View all issues here...
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Blogs Around The Web
Make your voice heard
Hepatitis C has an impact on so many aspects of life, and we want to better understand what it’s like for you. Participate in the Hepatitis C in America survey.
LEARN MORE
Heart Problems with Hepatitis C
By Karen Hoyt - March 3, 2016
One symptom of hepatitis C that can be hard to diagnose is heart problems. I will admit that the complaints about heart problems to my doctor might have seemed a little vague....
READ MORE
By Karen Hoyt - March 3, 2016
One symptom of hepatitis C that can be hard to diagnose is heart problems. I will admit that the complaints about heart problems to my doctor might have seemed a little vague....
READ MORE
Skin Issues and Hepatitis C
By Jenelle Marie Davis - March 2, 2016
The diagnosis of a hepatitis C infection can feel traumatic. One of the early questions many have is regarding the way the world will see them. Will everybody know just by looking...
READ MORE
Benefits of Exercise with Hepatitis C
By Karen Hoyt - March 1, 2016
The benefits of exercise are numerous! But when you’re all down and out with hepatitis C, you wonder if it can work for you. Stick with me, and I will cover all...
READ MORE
By Daryl Luster - February 29, 2016By Jenelle Marie Davis - March 2, 2016
The diagnosis of a hepatitis C infection can feel traumatic. One of the early questions many have is regarding the way the world will see them. Will everybody know just by looking...
READ MORE
Benefits of Exercise with Hepatitis C
By Karen Hoyt - March 1, 2016
The benefits of exercise are numerous! But when you’re all down and out with hepatitis C, you wonder if it can work for you. Stick with me, and I will cover all...
READ MORE
As I sit down to write these pieces I often don’t always know exactly what I am going to write about other than a few words that may be...
READ MORE
Cured Now
By Daryl Luster - February 28, 2016
Firstly, I want to say congratulations to anyone who is now able to say, “I am cured” of hepatitis c. Very good news indeed! Wow! For most people it is a time...
READ MORE
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About Karen Hoyt
Karen Hoyt offers a no nonsense approach to living with Cirrhosis. A Hepatitis C treatment survivor, she created a liver loving diet and lifestyle that allows her to create awareness and advocate for her Best Friends at http://www.ihelpc.com
During my battle with liver cancer, I loved reading all of your personal cards, emails, and messages. How could I possibly respond back? (Picture me typing all night.) Instead, I folded strong words into my heart and recited them to me when I needed them. (Daily, hourly) Little love letters.One morning after my liver transplant, while poring over more of your emails and messages, one word kept popping up – Brave. I remember my face felt hot. I didn’t feel brave at all. I was terrified. I needed courage and confidence with liver cancer.
HIV and ID Observations
An ongoing dialogue on HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, all matters medical, and some not so medical.
Paul E. Sax, MD
Contributing Editor
NEJM JOURNAL WATCH
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Really Rapid Review — CROI 2016, Boston
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) returned to Boston last week, bringing together over 4000 HIV researchers and clinicians from all over the world.
And note I put “researchers” first — this is certainly the only conference I attend where we are asked to list published papers as part of the registration process! You can almost imagine the program committee reviewing the papers we enter, calculating impact factor and counting first- and last-author contributions.
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) returned to Boston last week, bringing together over 4000 HIV researchers and clinicians from all over the world.
And note I put “researchers” first — this is certainly the only conference I attend where we are asked to list published papers as part of the registration process! You can almost imagine the program committee reviewing the papers we enter, calculating impact factor and counting first- and last-author contributions.
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and helping to improve the lives of those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy.
Blog Updates
Make a Vine Video with #HepBUnite for the 2016 Hepatitis B Awareness Campaign!
Join Hep B United for a national hepatitis B awareness campaign. Create an action-oriented awareness message about hepatitis B through a six-second Vine video! Hep B United will use selected video entries in its social media efforts in May 2016 to help promote Hepatitis Awareness Month. Your video could be included in its national awareness campaign!
A few weeks ago, an ill-informed New England governor proclaimed illegal immigrants were bringing in infectious diseases, including hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis. Recently, similar anti-immigration, fear-mongering from presidential candidates has filled the airways.
Diagnosed With Chronic Hepatitis B? What Does Your HBV DNA Test Tell You?
If you have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, your doctor has probably run several blood teststhat show if the infection is harming your liver and identify what stage of infection you are in. Doctors consider all of these results when deciding if you need treatment and how often you should be monitored.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, your doctor has probably run several blood teststhat show if the infection is harming your liver and identify what stage of infection you are in. Doctors consider all of these results when deciding if you need treatment and how often you should be monitored.
View all entries, here.
The 2016 Hepatitis C Treatment Research Pipeline
February 16, 2016 • Benjamin Ryan
The extraordinarily lucrative hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment market has inspired a frantic level of competition between a handful of pharmaceutical companies. Since releasing Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) in late 2013 and Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) in late 2014, Gilead has dominated the field, and appears poised to continue doing so in 2016 as the company awaits the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) mid-year decision about yet another new treatment.
Continue reading...
My Hep C Travel Diary, Hepatitis C Advocate
From a Hep C Patient in Mexico
Mar 4
As I have mentioned in other parts of this blog one of the services that I happily provide for free is to give people contact details for honest and reliable suppliers of Hep C generics around the world. There are good contacts for Hep C generics in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Australia and also now Honduras. So for many people, those who live in countries where mail order importation if difficult or prohibited, flying to another country to buy their generic Hep C treatment is the best of options.
From a Hep C Patient in Mexico
Mar 4
As I have mentioned in other parts of this blog one of the services that I happily provide for free is to give people contact details for honest and reliable suppliers of Hep C generics around the world. There are good contacts for Hep C generics in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Australia and also now Honduras. So for many people, those who live in countries where mail order importation if difficult or prohibited, flying to another country to buy their generic Hep C treatment is the best of options.
Mar 1
A lot of folk are flying to India to pick up the generic Hep C medicines themselves. Some just fly in and fly out. One guy I know jumped on a plane from Alaska, flew to India, met a supplier I put him in contact with there, stayed one night and flew back to Alaska with 6 months supplier of generic Indian Harvoni. He was away from home for four days and changed his life entirely.
David Pieper
To access to Direct Acting Antivirals to treat hepatitis C you need a doctor to prescribe them for you. You also need a pharmacy, or drug store, to dispense the drugs. Drugs to treat chronic conditions like hepatitis C have always been dispensed in Australia through the Section 100 – Highly Specialised Drugs Program. Because of their clinical use or other special features, medications like interferon and ribavirin are restricted to supply through public and private hospitals with appropriate specialist facilities. Medical practitioners are required to be affiliated with these specialist hospital units to prescribe these drugs under the scheme.
HIV/Hep C activist. Cured of Hep C.
Mar 3
Hepatitis, Liver Disease Support Coach
One giant leap in community pharmacy dispensingTo access to Direct Acting Antivirals to treat hepatitis C you need a doctor to prescribe them for you. You also need a pharmacy, or drug store, to dispense the drugs. Drugs to treat chronic conditions like hepatitis C have always been dispensed in Australia through the Section 100 – Highly Specialised Drugs Program. Because of their clinical use or other special features, medications like interferon and ribavirin are restricted to supply through public and private hospitals with appropriate specialist facilities. Medical practitioners are required to be affiliated with these specialist hospital units to prescribe these drugs under the scheme.
Continue reading..
Connie M. Welch
Passionate Encourager for Christ, Writer, Speaker, and Hep C Warrior
Connie M. Welch
Passionate Encourager for Christ, Writer, Speaker, and Hep C Warrior
FDA Approves Changes to Hep C Treatment Harvoni to Expand Treatment Options
Mar 2
The FDA approved changes February 12, 2016 to Hep C treatment Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir), a fixed dose treatment primary to treat chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, to now include liver transplant patients, genotype 4 liver transplant patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, and genotype 1 patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Continue reading....
The FDA approved changes February 12, 2016 to Hep C treatment Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir), a fixed dose treatment primary to treat chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, to now include liver transplant patients, genotype 4 liver transplant patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, and genotype 1 patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Continue reading....
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Author, Hepatitis C Advocate, Health Educator
Leaping Ahead with Hepatitis C Treatment Data
Feb 29
Leap Day is an important day in my house. On February 29, 1980, I asked my now-husband to marry me. My husband is an introvert, and I was not going to leave the timing of that question to him.Leaping Ahead with Hepatitis C Treatment Data
Feb 29
Continue reading...
Of Interest
ASK HEP
How do I handle dating and sex, and when is the right time to say I have hep C?
Relationships are complicated enough, but having hepatitis C virus (HCV) adds another level of complexity. Start by knowing the facts about HCV transmission. The risk of passing HCV sexually is low, especially heterosexually and between women. The risk increases in men who have sex with men. Properly used barrier protection reduces the risk of sexual transmission of HCV.Of Interest
ASK HEP
How do I handle dating and sex, and when is the right time to say I have hep C?
Continue reading.....
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Healthy You
Eat your broccoli to protect against liver cancer
Mar 04
A new study in mice suggests that consuming broccoli as part of a regular diet protects against liver cancer. Researchers say adding the vegetable to meals is a good idea.
The results showed that too much sodium led to a number of changes in the liver - such as misshapen cells, higher rates of cell death and lower rates of cell division - all of which can lead to liver fibrosis....
High Cholesterol Intake Linked to Higher Liver-Related Deaths in Women with Hepatitis C
A high consumption of cholesterol may lead to an increased risk for liver-related death and transplants among women who are infected with hepatitis C, according to a recent university study.
Connect With Us On Twitter and Facebook
Healthy You
Eat your broccoli to protect against liver cancer
Mar 04
A new study in mice suggests that consuming broccoli as part of a regular diet protects against liver cancer. Researchers say adding the vegetable to meals is a good idea.
Continue reading....
High-salt diet may harm liver
Previous studies have already suggested that too much sodium can damage the liver. In the new study, the researchers wanted to look in more detail at what happens at the level of cells.The team carried out experiments where they fed adult mice on a high-salt diet and exposed chick embryos to a salty environment.
High-salt diet may harm liver
Previous studies have already suggested that too much sodium can damage the liver. In the new study, the researchers wanted to look in more detail at what happens at the level of cells.The team carried out experiments where they fed adult mice on a high-salt diet and exposed chick embryos to a salty environment.
The results showed that too much sodium led to a number of changes in the liver - such as misshapen cells, higher rates of cell death and lower rates of cell division - all of which can lead to liver fibrosis....
High Cholesterol Intake Linked to Higher Liver-Related Deaths in Women with Hepatitis C
A high consumption of cholesterol may lead to an increased risk for liver-related death and transplants among women who are infected with hepatitis C, according to a recent university study.
The Benefits of Walking
Thinking about adding more physical activity to your day? Walking can be a great way to get more active.
Walking is the most popular physical activity among adults, and it’s easy to see why. It requires no special clothes or equipment, and it’s free.
Regular walking can have many health benefits. It may lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. It can strengthen your bones and muscles. It may help you maintain a healthy weight. It might also help lift your mood.
Make walking fun by going to places you enjoy, like a shopping center or park. Bring along someone to chat with, or listen to some of your favorite music (but keep the volume low enough to hear the sounds around you).
Think about safety as you plan when and where to walk. Walk with others when possible, and take a phone and ID with you. Let someone know your walking time and route. If it’s dark outside, wear a reflective vest or brightly colored clothing. And always be aware of your surroundings.
Try these tips to help make walking a part of your daily routine.
Thinking about adding more physical activity to your day? Walking can be a great way to get more active.
Walking is the most popular physical activity among adults, and it’s easy to see why. It requires no special clothes or equipment, and it’s free.
Regular walking can have many health benefits. It may lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. It can strengthen your bones and muscles. It may help you maintain a healthy weight. It might also help lift your mood.
Make walking fun by going to places you enjoy, like a shopping center or park. Bring along someone to chat with, or listen to some of your favorite music (but keep the volume low enough to hear the sounds around you).
Think about safety as you plan when and where to walk. Walk with others when possible, and take a phone and ID with you. Let someone know your walking time and route. If it’s dark outside, wear a reflective vest or brightly colored clothing. And always be aware of your surroundings.
Try these tips to help make walking a part of your daily routine.
Enjoy the weekend!
Tina
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