Clinical pharmacy programmatic perspectives on use of direct-acting antivirals for acquired hepatitis C infection in solid organ transplant recipients

Abstract

Purpose: An institutional workflow developed by clinical pharmacists for initiation of directing-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for patients who receive solid organ transplants from hepatitis C (HCV)-positive donors is described; programmatic challenges in providing pharmaceutical care to these patients are reviewed.

Summary: In recent years the introduction of new oral DAAs, coupled with faster screening of donor organs for HCV infection through use of a nucleic acid test (NAT), has facilitated transplants of organs from HCV-seropositive donors to HCV-seronegative recipients. The solid organ transplant program of a North Carolina health system began performing such transplants in December 2017. In the pharmacist-developed workflow, patients are initiated on DAA therapy in the outpatient clinic setting, and clinic pharmacists are consulted regarding drug selection. Prescriptions for DAA therapy are sent to an on-site specialty pharmacy, where pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work to obtain prior authorization and, if necessary, payment assistance through manufacturer-sponsored programs. The medical team is notified at the time of patient approval to begin treatment. Pharmacists provide counseling at the time of DAA therapy initiation and follow up with patients every 2 weeks to confirm adherence. As of June 2019, about 100 transplants of HCV NAT-positive organs had been performed (approximately 50% were kidney transplants; 15%, lung transplants; 20%, heart transplants; and 15%, liver transplants). Many challenges are encountered in the process of providing pharmaceutical care to this patient population, including challenges in patient selection and counseling, overcoming financial barriers and insurance restrictions, and coordinating with an internal specialty pharmacy to ensure timely delivery of medication to patients.

Conclusion: Within a solid organ transplantation program, clinical pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel can play vital roles in ensuring safe and effective DAA therapy for recipients of transplanted HCV NAT-positive organs.

Keywords: antiviral agents; hepatitis C; organ transplantation; pharmacists; pharmacy service, hospital; pharmacy technicians.