Original and generic direct acting antivirals in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C are compared by a team of experts in Latvia. The study shows that sustained virologic response was achieved by both medicine groups, with slight superiority in original medicines group.
Hepatitis C - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications, Prevention
Hepatitis C is a contagious viral disease affecting the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus.
Hepatitis C is a contagious viral disease affecting the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus.
‘In the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, original medicines may achieve sustained virologic response better than generic medicines do.’
In the study, patients were divided into two groups - those who received original direct acting antivirals ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, dasabuvir + ribavirin (n=144) and those who received generic medicines from India (n=35) sofosbuvir, ledipasvir or sofosbuvir, daclatasvir + ribavirin. Undetectable viral load 12 weeks after cessation of therapy (sustained virologic response 12) was measured in all patients. Therapy course completed 142 patients (2 patients discontinued treatment) from original medicines group and all patients from generics group. In the original medicines group - sustained viral response was achieved in all 142 patients who completed treatment course (100%), while in generic medicines group in 32 patients (91.4%). Study results showed high efficacy of both regimens using original and generic medicines - sustained virologic response was achieved in more than 90 percent of patients, with slight superiority in original medicines group. This study shows patient's interest and eligibility to seek for alternative treatment possibilities, when original drugs are not available through reimbursement system, and they are too expensive to buy out of pocket. This study also shows high efficacy of generic drugs obtained from India.
Source-Eurekalert
Autoimmune Hepatitis - Causes, Types, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis & Treatment
Autoimmune hepatitis is a type of chronic liver inflammation that responds well to immunosuppressive medications, but may require liver transplant.
Autoimmune hepatitis is a type of chronic liver inflammation that responds well to immunosuppressive medications, but may require liver transplant.
Tests for Hepatitis - Diagnosis, Viral Panel Procedure & Interpretation of Results
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests to diagnose infections caused by hepatitis A, B and C viruses.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests to diagnose infections caused by hepatitis A, B and C viruses.
New Treatments for Hepatitis C - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis
Until very recently, infection with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) had been very difficult to treat, but new treatments now result in curing the disease in up to 90% of cases.
Until very recently, infection with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) had been very difficult to treat, but new treatments now result in curing the disease in up to 90% of cases.
