Hepatitis C Medications


What is Hepatitis C?

It is a liver inflammation disease that is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. The condition can develop as a result of a number of factors such as heavy alcohol use, toxin, coming in contact with contaminated blood from used needles and unsterilized tattoo equipment, and so on. In fact, Hepatitis C is considered to be a significant cause of liver cancer. 

Medications Used to Treat Hepatitis C

1. Mavyret

This is a combination medication consisting of Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir. It prevents the Hepatitis virus from multiplying inside the body. Used to treat adults and children of 12 years or above for Hepatitis C with HCV genotype 1,2,3,5 and 6, Mavyret is usually given after the body hasn’t responded well to the initial treatments. It is taken with food 3 times a day at a stretch of 8-16 weeks, depends on the extent of the disease. The recommended daily dosage is Glaceprevir 300mg and Pibrentasvir 120mg. For 8 weeks of treatment, the cost of 168 Mavyret tablets is $1995. 

2. Ribavirin

Prescribed in combination with interferon alfa or peginterferon alfa, Ribavirin stops the replication and further spreading of the Hepatitis C virus within the body. In fact, it is also given to patients who are currently on other antiviral medications. It is consumed orally with food. The typical dose is Ribavirin 200 mg, which can be modified as per the circumstances. The maximum dosage is 600mg per day. 

Note that Ribavirin will not be suitable for treating autoimmune Hepatitis. Even though the capsule is to be taken whole if the patient has trouble swallowing, the medication can be administered intravenously. There are certain side effects of this medication like muscle pain, problems in sleeping, change in taste, etc., which can be managed easily. Ribavirin cost is 6500 INR per bottle. Prices can vary in the case of different pharmacies. 

3. Harvoni

It is a combination drug of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir. Adults and children (over 3 years) with Hepatitis C can be treated with this medicine. There are also some cases where Harvoni is prescribed in combination with Ribavirin. The medicine can be taken with or without food by following the exact dosage which the doctor has recommended. The treatment time ranges from 8-12 to 24 weeks. During this time, the dosage can be altered depending on the progression of the disease. 

4. Sofosbuvir

Commonly known as Sovaldi in the market, Sofosbuvir is an antiviral medication that can be used to treat Hepatitis C in both adults and children over 3 years. It can also be prescribed to patients who are about to have a liver transplant. Keep in mind that Sofosbuvir alone will be of no use. It must be given with other antiviral drugs like Ribavirin. For kids weighing 17 kg or less, the daily dosage is 150mg, and for adults, the recommended dosage is Sofosbuvir 400mg. 

Treatment time can extend up to 12 to 24 weeks. If you are suffering from Hepatocellular carcinoma and waiting for a liver transplant, treatment can extend up to 48 weeks. It is mainly effective for genotype 1,2, and 3. Sofosbuvir price for 12 weeks treatment is $84,000 at present. You can get it at a wholesale price if you purchase in bulk from reputed pharmacies. 

5. Vosevi

It is a combination of Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir, and Voxilaprevir. This medication is usually prescribed to treat the chronic condition of Hepatitis C when previous treatments haven’t been much effective. It is taken with food every day in the exact dosage for 12 weeks. The price of Vosevi is $890 per tablet. It may vary according to the strength of the dosage (100mg and 400mg).

6. Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir

This combination is commonly referred to as Epclusa in the market and prescribed to adults and children (over 6 years and weighing 17 kgs or more) with chronic Hepatitis C. Patients who have an advanced case of liver cirrhosis are also treated with this combination drug. You need to take one tablet each day and continue it for 12 weeks. The usually recommended dosage is 400mg of Sofosbuvir and 100mg of Velpatasvir. 

The weight of the patient is one of the main factors behind the determination and alterations of dosage. In case the patient develops unbearable toxicities, or other viral infections get active with the use of this combination of medicine, treatment will be paused for a while. Sofosbuvir Velpatasvir cost is $890 for a single tablet. Therefore, the cost of a 12-week course of treatment is $74,760.

7. Pegasys

Made originally from human proteins, Pegasys, an antiviral medication that is used to treat chronic Hepatitis C in adults and children over 5 years. It is also prescribed to children of 3 years (or elder) to treat Hepatitis B. The medication is administered subcutaneously once (on the same day) each week. The usual dose is 180mg, which needs to be altered if the brand is switched. 

Conclusion

All of the above-stated medications have certain side effects that are not consistent. However, if you experience any serious symptoms like an allergic reaction, swollen faces, or shortness of breath- immediately consult your doctor. Avoid breastfeeding while undergoing therapy for Hepatitis C because the ingredients of the drugs can affect your baby by passing through breast milk. Do not drink alcohol because it may worsen the disease. A regimented diet is to be followed, as well. 

Comments

  1. MATINA13 August 2021 at 21:13

    I was diagnosed as HEPATITIS B carrier in 2013 with fibrosis of the
    liver already present. I started on antiviral medications which
    reduced the viral load initially. After a couple of years the virus
    became resistant. I started on HEPATITIS B Herbal treatment from
    ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC (www.ultimatelifeclinic.com) in March, 2020. Their
    treatment totally reversed the virus. I did another blood test after
    the 6 months long treatment and tested negative to the virus. Amazing
    treatment! This treatment is a breakthrough for all HBV carriers.

    ReplyDelete

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