Hepatitis C is an infectious virus that attacks the liver, causing problems such as liver cancer and cirrhosis. Fortunately, 2015 saw new advancements in treating hepatitis C. New drugs hope to cure the condition by eradicating the virus from the blood stream after 12 weeks of treatment. The following three drugs made strides in 2015 after finding success in clinical trials.
Harvoni
Harvoni is a two-drug combination that boasts high cure rates. The two drugs that make up Harvoni are sofosbuvi and the antiviral drug ledipasvir. The drug is the first once-daily treatment regimen. The drug has been deemed a huge breakthrough, but its high cost means that it will not be available to all patients.
In November 2015, the FDA approved the drug for expanded use in treating chronic hepatitis C with genotype 4, 5, and 6, and for those co-infected with HIV. Depending on the individual, the drug may be taken between 8 to 24 weeks. Side effects are milder compared to other treatments, but they may include fatigue, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and insomnia.
Daklinza
Daklinza works by blocking the life cycle of the virus at different stages. The drug is approved for hepatitis C with genotype 3. Daklinza is combined with another drug, Sovaldi. Both drugs are taken once a day for the duration of 12 weeks. However, longer treatment may be needed for people with cirrhosis, and a third drug may need to be taken as well, Ribavirin. Ribavirin is taken twice a day with food. The most common side effects reported for Daklinza and Sovaldi are headache and fatigue.
Ribavirin
Ribavirin is combined with other drugs to treat and cure hepatitis C. Ribavirin is approved for both children (ages three or older) and adults. The dosage is based on the weight of the individual and is taken twice a day.
Unfortunately, Ribavirin increases the risk of heart attack. Therefore, this drug cannot be used by people with heart disease, nor can it be used by people with sickle cell disease. The drug may result in the development of anemia within the first weeks of treatment. And blood tests need to be taken before and during treatment to screen for this condition. If a patient tests positive for anemia, they may be able to still use Ribavirin, but at a smaller dosage.
Other side effects that may be present are aching muscles, pain in the back or stomach, colds, anxiety, bowel irritability, coughing, dizziness, fever, headaches, irregular sleeping patterns, missed periods, irritability, itchy skin or rash, nausea and vomiting, night sweats, fatigue, and weakness.
