8 reports on liver transplant outcomes in patients with HCV
New @ Healio
March 2, 2018 Influences that affect liver transplantation outcomes comprise numerous hepatic and extrahepatic factors, including hepatitis C infection. Patients with HCV are at risk for progression to liver damage and cirrhosis, which can affect the rate of waitlist mortality. In recent years, the introduction of direct-acting antivirals and ...
Continue to article: https://www.healio.com/hepatology/hepatitis-c/news/online/%7b38b69339-ba1f-45c5-9438-d61855e08a53%7d/8-reports-on-liver-transplant-outcomes-in-patients-with-hcv
Also At Healio:
DAA therapy improves HCV-related liver transplantation…
Small-for-size graft in liver transplantation outside…
Text message intervention improves alcohol abstinence…
Friday, March 2, 2018
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Scientists say diabetes is five separate diseases, and treatment could be tailored to each form
Diabetes is actually five separate diseases, research suggests
The results, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, showed the patients could be separated into five distinct clusters.
Cluster 1 - severe autoimmune diabetes is broadly the same as the classical type 1 - it hit people when they were young, seemingly healthy and an immune disease left them unable to produce insulin
Cluster 2 - severe insulin-deficient diabetes patients initially looked very similar to those in cluster 1 - they were young, had a healthy weight and struggled to make insulin, but the immune system was not at fault
Cluster 3 - severe insulin-resistant diabetes patients were generally overweight and making insulin but their body was no longer responding to it
Cluster 4 - mild obesity-related diabetes was mainly seen in people who were very overweight but metabolically much closer to normal than those in cluster 3
Cluster 5 - mild age-related diabetes patients developed symptoms when they were significantly older than in other groups and their disease tended to be milder
By James Gallagher Health and science correspondent
BBC News
The results, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, showed the patients could be separated into five distinct clusters.
Cluster 1 - severe autoimmune diabetes is broadly the same as the classical type 1 - it hit people when they were young, seemingly healthy and an immune disease left them unable to produce insulin
Cluster 2 - severe insulin-deficient diabetes patients initially looked very similar to those in cluster 1 - they were young, had a healthy weight and struggled to make insulin, but the immune system was not at fault
Cluster 3 - severe insulin-resistant diabetes patients were generally overweight and making insulin but their body was no longer responding to it
Cluster 4 - mild obesity-related diabetes was mainly seen in people who were very overweight but metabolically much closer to normal than those in cluster 3
Cluster 5 - mild age-related diabetes patients developed symptoms when they were significantly older than in other groups and their disease tended to be milder
Continue reading: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43246261
Impact of proton pump inhibitors on progression of liver disease in noncirrhotic hepatitis C infection
Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated With Accelerated Development of Cirrhosis, Hepatic Decompensation and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Noncirrhotic Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Results From ERCHIVES
D. K. Li; P. Yan; A-B. Abou-Samra; R. T. Chung; A. A. Butt
This study assessed the impact of proton pump inhibitors on the progression of liver disease in noncirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus infection. Are PPIs safe to use in these patients?
Full text available at Medscape, February 27, 2018.
Note: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to: Relieve symptoms of acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treat a duodenal or stomach ulcer. Treat damage to the lower esophagus caused by acid reflux.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018;47(2):246-258.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Background Proton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Their safety in cirrhosis has recently been questioned, but their overall effect on disease progression in noncirrhotic patients with chronic liver disease remains unclear.
Aim To determine the impact of proton pump inhibitors on the progression of liver disease in noncirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Methods Using the electronically retrieved cohort of HCV-infected veterans (ERCHIVES) database, we identified all subjects who received HCV treatment and all incident cases of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Proton pump inhibitor use was measured using cumulative defined daily dose. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed after adjusting univariate predictors of cirrhosis and various indications for proton pump inhibitor use.
Results Among 11 526 eligible individuals, we found that exposure to proton pump inhibitors was independently associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: [1.17, 1.49]). This association remained robust to sensitivity analysis in which only patients who achieved sustained virologic response were analysed as well as analysis excluding those with alcohol abuse/dependence. Proton pump inhibitor exposure was also independently associated with an increased risk of hepatic decompensation (HR: 3.79 [2.58, 5.57]) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR: 2.01 [1.50, 2.70]).
Conclusions In patients with chronic HCV infection, increasing proton pump inhibitor use is associated with a dose-dependent risk of progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis, as well as an increased risk of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Abstract
Background Proton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Their safety in cirrhosis has recently been questioned, but their overall effect on disease progression in noncirrhotic patients with chronic liver disease remains unclear.
Aim To determine the impact of proton pump inhibitors on the progression of liver disease in noncirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Methods Using the electronically retrieved cohort of HCV-infected veterans (ERCHIVES) database, we identified all subjects who received HCV treatment and all incident cases of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Proton pump inhibitor use was measured using cumulative defined daily dose. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed after adjusting univariate predictors of cirrhosis and various indications for proton pump inhibitor use.
Results Among 11 526 eligible individuals, we found that exposure to proton pump inhibitors was independently associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: [1.17, 1.49]). This association remained robust to sensitivity analysis in which only patients who achieved sustained virologic response were analysed as well as analysis excluding those with alcohol abuse/dependence. Proton pump inhibitor exposure was also independently associated with an increased risk of hepatic decompensation (HR: 3.79 [2.58, 5.57]) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR: 2.01 [1.50, 2.70]).
Conclusions In patients with chronic HCV infection, increasing proton pump inhibitor use is associated with a dose-dependent risk of progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis, as well as an increased risk of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma.
View Full Text Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/890621
Shifting from concern to crisis: 1 in 4 Canadians may be affected by liver disease
In case you missed it
Shifting from concern to crisis: 1 in 4 Canadians may be affected by liver disease
Recent indicators gathered by the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) show that an increased prevalence of liver diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B & C, and liver cancer are why in just ten years, the statistic that was once 1 in 10, is now 1 in 4.
"The reason we are seeing this increase in liver disease is partially due to lifestyle choices we don't always associate with causing us a tremendous amount of harm," says Gary Fagan, President of the CLF. "From supersizing your meal, to binge-watching a television series, these ordinary activities can seriously compromise the well-being of your liver."
Fast facts of liver disease:
There are over 100 known liver diseases; only one is directly caused by alcohol.
1 in 7 Canadians are obese. 23% of obese Canadians are at risk of developing serious liver damage from fatty liver disease.
NAFLD is the most common liver disease in Canada, affecting over 7 million people.
The virus that causes hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, and is the second leading cause of cancer worldwide.
Many Canadians with hepatitis C are not diagnosed until decades after being infected.
Liver diseases such as NAFLD or chronic hepatitis can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and ultimately, liver failure. The CLF believes the key to shrinking this 1 in 4 statistic is through knowledge.
"The investment of research is a critical step in improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases," says Fagan. "However, educating the general public without delay about the severity of liver disease and how one may avoid it can literally be the difference in a life or death situation."
March is "Liver Health Month", and the CLF is taking the opportunity to get Canadians familiarized with the facts, risks, and actions they will need to ward off liver disease. In the Check Your Engine campaign, the CLF is comparing the human body to a high-performance vehicle, and the liver as that vehicle's engine. The goal is that this example will resonate with the public and motivate them to avoid the risks associated with liver disease.
The public can view and share our video (English & French) and visit www.liver.ca/CheckYourEngine to receive practical tips, read stories behind those who are affected, and join in the CLF's awareness efforts by posting photos on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #CheckYourEngine.
About the Canadian Liver Foundation
Founded in 1969 by a group of doctors and business leaders concerned about the increasing incidence of liver disease, the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) was the first organization in the world devoted to providing support for research and education into the causes, diagnoses, prevention, and treatment of all liver disease. Today, we are bringing liver research to life by promoting liver health, improving public awareness and understanding of liver disease, raising funds for research, and providing support to individuals affected by liver disease.
2018
Fatty Liver Disease articles available on this blog:
Watch videos, or review research in this current collection of articles
Fatty Liver Disease articles available on this blog:
Watch videos, or review research in this current collection of articles
TORONTO, March 1, 2018 /CNW/ - An estimated eight million Canadians may be affected by liver disease, an illness that exhibits little to no symptoms, involves everyone from newborns to seniors, and is rarely tested by doctors during annual checkups.
Canadian Liver Foundation
Published on Mar 1, 2018
Published on Mar 1, 2018
Recent indicators gathered by the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) show that an increased prevalence of liver diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B & C, and liver cancer are why in just ten years, the statistic that was once 1 in 10, is now 1 in 4.
"The reason we are seeing this increase in liver disease is partially due to lifestyle choices we don't always associate with causing us a tremendous amount of harm," says Gary Fagan, President of the CLF. "From supersizing your meal, to binge-watching a television series, these ordinary activities can seriously compromise the well-being of your liver."
Fast facts of liver disease:
There are over 100 known liver diseases; only one is directly caused by alcohol.
1 in 7 Canadians are obese. 23% of obese Canadians are at risk of developing serious liver damage from fatty liver disease.
NAFLD is the most common liver disease in Canada, affecting over 7 million people.
The virus that causes hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, and is the second leading cause of cancer worldwide.
Many Canadians with hepatitis C are not diagnosed until decades after being infected.
Liver diseases such as NAFLD or chronic hepatitis can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and ultimately, liver failure. The CLF believes the key to shrinking this 1 in 4 statistic is through knowledge.
"The investment of research is a critical step in improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases," says Fagan. "However, educating the general public without delay about the severity of liver disease and how one may avoid it can literally be the difference in a life or death situation."
March is "Liver Health Month", and the CLF is taking the opportunity to get Canadians familiarized with the facts, risks, and actions they will need to ward off liver disease. In the Check Your Engine campaign, the CLF is comparing the human body to a high-performance vehicle, and the liver as that vehicle's engine. The goal is that this example will resonate with the public and motivate them to avoid the risks associated with liver disease.
The public can view and share our video (English & French) and visit www.liver.ca/CheckYourEngine to receive practical tips, read stories behind those who are affected, and join in the CLF's awareness efforts by posting photos on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #CheckYourEngine.
About the Canadian Liver Foundation
Founded in 1969 by a group of doctors and business leaders concerned about the increasing incidence of liver disease, the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) was the first organization in the world devoted to providing support for research and education into the causes, diagnoses, prevention, and treatment of all liver disease. Today, we are bringing liver research to life by promoting liver health, improving public awareness and understanding of liver disease, raising funds for research, and providing support to individuals affected by liver disease.
SOURCE Canadian Liver Foundation
Behind the Headlines: High-strength skunk 'now dominates' UK cannabis market
High-strength skunk 'now dominates' UK cannabis market
"Almost all cannabis seized by police now comprises high-strength varieties, with outdoor-grown herbal strains and hashish barely found," The Guardian reports. The news is based on researchers analysing samples of cannabis seized by 5 police forces in 2015 and 2016.
They found almost all the cannabis (93.6%) was sinsemilla, also known as skunk. This is a potent form of herbal cannabis often grown in the UK in indoor "cannabis farms" which has been specifically bred to have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the psychoactive chemical in cannabis responsible for many of the pleasurable effects people get when using the drug. THC has also been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health problems, such as psychosis (where a person is unable to tell the difference between reality and their imagination).
Analysis of samples of the drugs showed a wide variation in the levels of THC, with an average level of 14.2% in sinsemilla, compared to 6.3% in resin.
Cannabis resin, which dominated the UK market before 2000, only accounted for 5.8% of the cannabis seized by police. Resin THC levels were higher than those recorded in a similar study in 2005.
Cannabis resin usually contains cannabidiol (CBD), a substance thought to protect against some of the dangerous effects of THC. Sinsemilla does not usually contain CBD.
This matters, because doctors think people who use cannabis with high levels of THC, especially without CBD to counteract it, are more likely to become addicted and develop mental health problems.
Where did the story come from?
The study was carried out by researchers from GW Pharmaceuticals, which produces a range of medical cannabinoid medicines, and from King’s College London. GW Pharmaceuticals could be seen to have a conflict of interest in highlighting the dangers of illegal cannabis, as it is currently researching a range of medical treatments based on cannabidiol (CBD).
One of the researchers was funded by the Medical Research Council. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Drug Test Analysis.
The study was widely covered in the UK media. Some of the headlines – such as the Mail Online's "Terrifying rise of super-strength 'skunk' cannabis" - ramp up the fear, but by and large the study was accurately reported.
"Almost all cannabis seized by police now comprises high-strength varieties, with outdoor-grown herbal strains and hashish barely found," The Guardian reports. The news is based on researchers analysing samples of cannabis seized by 5 police forces in 2015 and 2016.
They found almost all the cannabis (93.6%) was sinsemilla, also known as skunk. This is a potent form of herbal cannabis often grown in the UK in indoor "cannabis farms" which has been specifically bred to have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the psychoactive chemical in cannabis responsible for many of the pleasurable effects people get when using the drug. THC has also been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health problems, such as psychosis (where a person is unable to tell the difference between reality and their imagination).
Analysis of samples of the drugs showed a wide variation in the levels of THC, with an average level of 14.2% in sinsemilla, compared to 6.3% in resin.
Cannabis resin, which dominated the UK market before 2000, only accounted for 5.8% of the cannabis seized by police. Resin THC levels were higher than those recorded in a similar study in 2005.
Cannabis resin usually contains cannabidiol (CBD), a substance thought to protect against some of the dangerous effects of THC. Sinsemilla does not usually contain CBD.
This matters, because doctors think people who use cannabis with high levels of THC, especially without CBD to counteract it, are more likely to become addicted and develop mental health problems.
Where did the story come from?
The study was carried out by researchers from GW Pharmaceuticals, which produces a range of medical cannabinoid medicines, and from King’s College London. GW Pharmaceuticals could be seen to have a conflict of interest in highlighting the dangers of illegal cannabis, as it is currently researching a range of medical treatments based on cannabidiol (CBD).
One of the researchers was funded by the Medical Research Council. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Drug Test Analysis.
The study was widely covered in the UK media. Some of the headlines – such as the Mail Online's "Terrifying rise of super-strength 'skunk' cannabis" - ramp up the fear, but by and large the study was accurately reported.
What kind of research was this?
This was a laboratory analysis of samples of drugs seized by police. The study gives a snapshot of the types of cannabis and range of potency of cannabis being sold illegally. However, we don't know how representative the samples are of the types of cannabis being used in the UK, as police may not target all potential cannabis users equally.
What did the research involve?
Researchers contacted 5 police forces which had been involved in previous surveys of cannabis, in 2005 and 2008. The forces were asked to send all seized cannabis samples in their property stores for analysis.
The researchers sorted the cannabis by type, then selected a representative sample to analyse for levels of THC, CBD, and a degraded form of cannabinoid, CBN, which is less potent and is a result of THC breaking down.
Cannabis came from Kent and London Metropolitan districts (in 2015) and Derbyshire, Merseyside and Sussex (in 2016). It was sorted into 3 types:
resin
sinsemilla
natural herbal cannabis (a less-potent type of cannabis, often imported from Morocco)
Researchers analysed about half of the samples of sinsemilla, and all of the samples of resin and natural herbal cannabis, as there were fewer of them. They analysed 250mg from each sample, which they say is a typical amount of cannabis used in 1 joint.
To see whether the time the sample had been held by the police affected the strength, they measured 34 samples where the length of storage was known, and looked at whether CBN levels were linked to time stored.
What were the basic results?
The vast majority of the 995 cannabis samples were sinsemilla:
929 (93.6%) of these were sinsemilla, compared to 708 (84.5%) in 2008 and 247 (50.6%) in 2005
58 (5.8%) were resin, compared to 104 (14.2)% in 2008 and 169 (42.7%) in 2005
6 (0.6%) were traditional herbal cannabis, compared to 14 (1.3%) in 2008 and 39 (6.7%) in 2005
The average THC content of sinsemilla samples was 14.2%, similar to the 13.9% found in 2005. However, the range varied from 1.9% to 22.5%, with most being around 10% to 20%.
Average THC content of resin was much lower, at 6.3%, although this varied from no discernible THC to 29% in 1 sample found in a prison. The average strength was much higher than in 2005, when average THC concentration was 3.7%.
Only 1 of the sinsemilla samples contained CBD, the protective agent. While most resin samples did contain CBD, researchers found the average level had dropped from 4.3% in 2005 to 2.3% in 2015/6.
The analysis found no indication that length of time in police storage affected the strength of cannabis.
How did the researchers interpret the results?
The researchers said: "This trend presents an increased risk of harm to those susceptible to the development of psychotic disorders following cannabis use." They suggest the need for a nationwide survey.
Conclusion
Cannabis has often been dismissed as a relatively harmless street drug, compared to class A drugs such as cocaine and heroin. However, mounting evidence suggests it may have a harmful effect on mental health, particularly for teenagers and adolescents, increasing the chances of problems including panic attacks, anxiety and psychosis.
Although research is still taking place, it seems that stronger sinsemilla cannabis (aka skunk, which contains more THC and little CBD), raises the risk of mental health problems and addiction, compared to cannabis resin, which tends to have less THC and more CBD.
It's concerning that this study suggests sinsemilla is becoming much more common, and that where resin is on sale, it has more THC and less CBD than a decade ago. People who base their ideas about cannabis on the drug they smoked many years ago may not realise the strength and potential harm of the cannabis sold on the street today.
However, the study has some limitations:
It only looked at drugs seized by police. It's possible that police may prioritise arresting and confiscating drugs from people selling sinsemilla, because of its perceived harm. This might mean the proportion of cannabis resin in the study could be artificially low.
It only analysed a proportion of the samples of sinsemilla, and only 250mg from each sample. The overall sample strength might have varied, because the cannabis plant's concentration of THC varies in different parts.
Only 5 police forces were involved, so we don't know if the results would apply equally around the country.
Cannabis doesn't just affect mental health, smoking any form of cannabis can be bad for your health in other ways.
It can also:
damage your lungs
increase your risk of road accidents
damage your fertility and, if smoked when pregnant, damage the unborn baby
Find out more about the effects of cannabis.
Analysis by Bazian
Edited by NHS Choices
Cannabis doesn't just affect mental health, smoking any form of cannabis can be bad for your health in other ways.
It can also:
damage your lungs
increase your risk of road accidents
damage your fertility and, if smoked when pregnant, damage the unborn baby
Find out more about the effects of cannabis.
Analysis by Bazian
Edited by NHS Choices
Links to the headlines
High-strength cannabis now dominates illegal market, study finds
The Guardian, February 27 2018
Most UK cannabis 'super strength skunk'
BBC News, February 28 2018
Terrifying rise of super-strength 'skunk' cannabis: It now makes up 94 per cent of all marijuana seized
Mail Online, February 28 2018
Almost all cannabis on Britain's streets 'super strength' and could be driving mental health problems
The Daily Telegraph, February 28 2018
Why it’s seriously bad news most of Britain’s weed is now super-strong skunk, by expert
Metro, February 28 2018
Links to the science
Potter Dj, Hammond K, Tuffnell S, et al. Potency of Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids in cannabis in England in 2016: Implications for public health and pharmacology
The Guardian, February 27 2018
Most UK cannabis 'super strength skunk'
BBC News, February 28 2018
Terrifying rise of super-strength 'skunk' cannabis: It now makes up 94 per cent of all marijuana seized
Mail Online, February 28 2018
Almost all cannabis on Britain's streets 'super strength' and could be driving mental health problems
The Daily Telegraph, February 28 2018
Why it’s seriously bad news most of Britain’s weed is now super-strong skunk, by expert
Metro, February 28 2018
Links to the science
Potter Dj, Hammond K, Tuffnell S, et al. Potency of Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids in cannabis in England in 2016: Implications for public health and pharmacology
Drug Testing and Analysis
Retrospective study of U.S. military veterans - African-Americans less likely to respond to direct-acting antivirals for hep-C
African-Americans less likely to respond to direct-acting antivirals for hep-C
Last Updated: 2018-03-01
By Will Boggs MD
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - African-Americans are less likely than other patients to achieve sustained virological response 12 weeks (SVR12) after completion of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, according to a retrospective study of U.S. military veterans.
"The results may indicate that the lower response rate in African-Americans may have important underlying pathophysiological rationale and that in the treatment of these patients greater attention will need to be given to being certain that they attain a sustained virological response," Dr. Joseph R. Pisegna from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, in California, told Reuters Health by email.
Last Updated: 2018-03-01
By Will Boggs MD
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - African-Americans are less likely than other patients to achieve sustained virological response 12 weeks (SVR12) after completion of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, according to a retrospective study of U.S. military veterans.
"The results may indicate that the lower response rate in African-Americans may have important underlying pathophysiological rationale and that in the treatment of these patients greater attention will need to be given to being certain that they attain a sustained virological response," Dr. Joseph R. Pisegna from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, in California, told Reuters Health by email.
Continue reading: http://www.chronicliverdisease.org/reuters/article.cfm?article=20180301Other918928465
Of Interest On This Blog
A “paradigm shift” in the VA’s approach to hep C
Aim - To determine whether implementation of interferon-free treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reached groups less likely to benefit from earlier therapies, including patients with genotype 1virus or contraindications to interferon treatment, and groups that faced treatment disparities: African Americans, patients with HIV co-infection, and those with drug use disorder.
Of Interest On This Blog
A “paradigm shift” in the VA’s approach to hep C
Aim - To determine whether implementation of interferon-free treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reached groups less likely to benefit from earlier therapies, including patients with genotype 1virus or contraindications to interferon treatment, and groups that faced treatment disparities: African Americans, patients with HIV co-infection, and those with drug use disorder.
The VA Will Eliminate Hepatitis C In Veterans By Year-end
Forbes
The VA Will Eliminate Hepatitis C In Veterans By Year-end
John LaMattina
Only a few years ago, stories appeared in the media about how tens of thousands of U.S. veterans were infected with hepatitis C and that the government couldn’t afford to treat them. Typical was a CBS News report headlined “VA can’t afford drug for veterans suffering from hepatitis C”
States consider bringing prescription drugs from Canada to US as costs soar
States consider bringing prescription drugs from Canada to US as costs soar
In the face of surging prescription drug prices, some US states are proposing to import medicines in bulk from Canada, where many drugs are cheaper thanks to government price controls.
One of those hepatitis C drugs, called Sovaldi, is a good example of how prices can vary between countries. In the US, a course of Sovaldi lasts 12 weeks and costs $90,000 US retail.
American insurers typically negotiate a discount of 41%, according to a Bloomberg News analysis. That puts the cost of the drug at $17,700 per month in the US.
But in the United Kingdom, that drug costs $16,770 per month, and in Canada $14,493.
In the face of surging prescription drug prices, some US states are proposing to import medicines in bulk from Canada, where many drugs are cheaper thanks to government price controls.
One of those hepatitis C drugs, called Sovaldi, is a good example of how prices can vary between countries. In the US, a course of Sovaldi lasts 12 weeks and costs $90,000 US retail.
American insurers typically negotiate a discount of 41%, according to a Bloomberg News analysis. That puts the cost of the drug at $17,700 per month in the US.
But in the United Kingdom, that drug costs $16,770 per month, and in Canada $14,493.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)