Hepatitis C is the top cause of liver cancer and transplants. A person can catch the virus by coming into contact with blood that has been contaminated. Most of the time, it is spread by unclean needles (drug paraphernalia) or through exposure to previously used tattoo needles. However, it can also be spread during sex.
Hepatitis C is curable, but it can be extremely uncomfortable and tricky to cure. Previously, painful shots were administered called in conjunction with a specific pill called ribavirin. These drugs didn’t target the virus exactly but targeted your immune system; they work by getting your body to fight the infection the same way your body does when it gets the flu.
The treatment doesn’t always rid the body of the virus. Cure rates usually hover around 50%, and some individuals get stuck with year-long treatments. Individuals who went on the year-long treatments lived with chemo-like side effects.
Now, more and more people get rid of Hep C by taking a pill at home. Usually, individuals can eliminate the infection in just a few weeks at home and can avoid the shots.
Here are a few pills that physicians prescribe:
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Daclatasvir
- This pill is taken once a day and is often taking with (Sovaldi).
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Elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier)
- This treatment is only needed once a day and treats HCV type 1, 4, and 6. This pill could be monumental for those with Hep C who also have cirrhosis, late-stage kidney disease, and HIV.
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Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
- Patients take this pill three times a day. Side effects that are most likely to occur include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
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Ledipasvir and ()
- This pill is taken once a day and is the first -free medication for people with type 1. People with type 4,5, and 6 got the green light from the FDA as well. Side effects are mild.
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Ombitasvir, paritaprevir, (Technivie)
- This pill is given to people with genotype 4, without cirrhosis. Patients are able to take it with ribavirin. Common side effects include fatigue, upset stomach, insomnia, and itching.
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Posted on May 22, 2023