Understanding Hepatitis C and Treatment Advances
Hepatitis C has gone from a disease not well understood to a disease we can cure in 90 days or less thanks to direct-acting antivirals. These medications are often well-tolerated and can be taken with many other medications. Two common medications utilized today are Epclusa (and its generic form sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) and Mayvret.
Epclusa: A Breakthrough in Hepatitis C Treatment
Epclusa is a prescription medication used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults. It is a combination of two direct-acting antiviral drugs: sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. The drug is manufactured by Gilead Sciences and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2016.
Introduction to Epclusa
Mechanism of Action
Sofosbuvir belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleotide polymerase inhibitors, while velpatasvir is classified as an NS5A inhibitor. Together, these two components work synergistically to target different steps in the replication process of the hepatitis C virus.
Pan-Genotypic Treatment Option
Epclusa is known for its broad-spectrum activity against all major genotypes of hepatitis C virus, making it a pan-genotypic treatment option. This means that regardless of what version of Hepatitis C you have, Epclusa can treat it. This versatility has made Epclusa a popular choice for healthcare providers, simplifying the treatment decision-making process.
Treatment Duration and Versatility
One of the notable advantages of Epclusa is its high cure rates and the ability to offer a shorter treatment duration for many patients. The medication is taken orally once daily, typically for 12 weeks, although the treatment duration may vary based on individual factors such as HCV genotype, liver health, and previous treatment history.
Potential Side Effects and Monitoring
As with any medication, Epclusa may have potential side effects, and patients should be monitored during treatment. Common side effects may include headache, fatigue, and nausea. It’s essential for individuals considering or undergoing treatment with Epclusa to consult with their healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will assess the patient’s specific condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan, considering factors such as potential drug interactions and the presence of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Mayvret Hep C: Transformative Dual-Action Treatment
Mayvret Hep C, a combination of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, represents a groundbreaking approach to tackling hepatitis C, a viral infection affecting the liver. Approved by regulatory authorities around the globe, this innovative treatment has become a game-changer in the fight against the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The unique combination of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir in Mayvret offers a potent antiviral punch, targeting different steps in the HCV lifecycle. This dual-action mechanism not only enhances the effectiveness of the treatment but also addresses the challenge of potential resistance that some traditional treatments may encounter. Many can achieve a cure with Mayvret after two months of treatment.
Comprehensive Hepatitis C Treatment Approach
Hepatitis C treatment should not only focus on the disease but the total person. Other comorbidities and conditions should also be evaluated and treated to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. If patients are currently suffering from Substance Use Disorder, it’s important that strategies in place to either cease substance use or design a plan so that the patient is using their substance(s) safely. Patients who are regularly injecting drugs should be educated on local programs like needle-exchanges to protect the patient from blood-blood transmission of diseases like hepatitis and HIV.
Public Service Announcement by Healthcare Unity Group Inc
This educational information was provided as a public service announcement by the Healthcare Unity Group Inc. Healthcare Unity Group Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that assists patients in receiving testing and treatment for HIV, HCV, and STIs at oftentimes at no cost to the patient. The providers at Healthcare Unity Group Inc. are specialists in the field of HIV and HCV medicine. If you or a loved one is suffering from hepatitis c in New Jersey. Please contact Healthcare Unity Group Inc. to see what options are available.
Disclaimer
This information is meant for educational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to endorse any tests, medications, or any other products or information contained within this article.