After over a decade long dry spell, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new therapies, boceprevir and telaprevir, for the treatment of Hepatitis C. Both therapies signal a breakthrough in the treatment of Hepatitis C with the possibility of boosting cure rates to as high as 70 percent when used in conjunction with existing treatment medications.
Mayo Clinic physicians, Hugo Vargas, M.D., Chair of Transplant Medicine in Phoenix, AZ and Denise Harnois, D.O., hepatologist in Jacksonville, FL offer their perspectives on these new therapies.
What is Hepatitis C?
Dr. Harnois provides an overview of this bloodborne virus which affects more than four million people in the United States according to the National Institutes of Health.
How is Hepatitis C spread?
Dr. Vargas explains the most common ways that people can acquire Hepatitis C:
What is the current treatment for hepatitis C?
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Dr. Harnois discusses the current treatment therapies and reviews the cure rate:
What new therapies are on the horizon?
Boceprevir and telaprevir both block a key enzyme that prevents the hepatitis C virus from replicating.
Dr. Vargas shares how these two new medications would benefit those patients with Hepatitis C:
This is very exciting news indeed.
Would be able to share clinical trial findings or your present knowledge on patterns of patient responses (genotypes 1-6) on triple therapy??
Yes, it is exciting news. Regarding your question of sharing clinical trial findings and knowledge, I will touch base with Dr. Vargas. Thank you for your comment and questions. Susana.
So what is the minimal time I could start taking this regiment?
James, Thanks for the question. It sounds like Boceprevir should be available very soon, while Teleprevir still needs final approval. Here’s a link to a story that may be useful.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/Hepatitis/26469
are there any clinical trials coming up at the mayo clinic in jacksonville florida for hcv post transplant patients with teplevir.interferon.riboviran
I’ll see what I can find out and get back to you soon.
I am scheduled to begin the Hep “C” treatment regimen with Interferon, Ribavirin, and Telaprevir (if can get approved by insurance carrier). Do most insurance carriers have the Telaprevir in their systems as an approved drug?
I am also concerned about some of the side effects of the drugs, especially since I will have to take them for 6 months. Will I be able to take other medications to offset the side effects (fever, chills, assorted pains and aches)while on the regimen? Also, is there any way for me to prepare myself to begin this therapy?
I have always been an active person (ranked tennis player) and wanted to know if it will be feasible that i could continue with physical activity during the treatment regimen?
Just apprehensive……………………………………………
Hello and thank you for your questions. We will go ahead and forward your concerns to Dr. Vargas for his review. As soon as we receive his response, we’ll contact you. You would probably need to contact insurance carriers and/or work with your insurance representative/broker to find out if they would cover the medication. Thanks again.
Hello. I already received Dr. Vargas’ response:
1) Insurance coverage is offered by most 3rd party payers. Medicaid and VA have restrictions. You have to get the Rx and try. That being said Vertex has been very proactive in helping patients get access to Telaprevir.
2) The side effects are real but do not occur universally. Telaprevir is only used for 12 weeks maximum, the “tail” of PEG-IFN/Rib may last for 24-48 weeks. Side effects differ depending on which phase of treatment. Treatment can be stopped, so no harm in trying the regimen…
3) Sports may be limited by anemia, so you may have to cut back on activity. Again highly individual response.
i used peagyses and ribovrin for a 6 week period in may.
my responce to treatment was great. no disernable side effects,viral load dropped to less than 100, NO DEPRESSION, BLOOD WORK IMPROVED.At 6 wks i collapsed in my residence rushed to medical facility and a coma was induceed were i stayed for three weeks. the dr told relatives i had alchoholor drug withdrawl. i quit using clomazipam 3 wks prior and alchohol 1.5 years before. my question is could the drug combination have cause this reaction or was the years of abuse be the culprit. my live has been put in limbo in a situation i would like increased control of my destiny. please have any one in the medical community contact me if theiris an answer to this delema.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions, or make specific treatment recommendations here. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices: Arizona: 480-301-1735 Florida: 904-953-0853 Minnesota: 507-284-2511. Thank you
I am wondering if I should start treatment in prision or wit till I get out to join a trial study I have no insurance and my viral load is high genetype 1
Thanks ,
Paul Ryan
We are checking on an answer for you.
where in Jacksonville Fl can I get Hep C Treatment if I have no insurance? Any trial studies? If I start treatment in prision can I change treatment when I get out , maybe join a Hep C study?
Thanks ,
Paul Ryan
We’re looking into an answer.