Optimisation in the multidisciplinary approach to patients with hepatitis C in the era of direct-acting antivirals

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 Sep:42 Suppl 1:8-13. doi: 10.1016/S0210-5705(20)30182-5. Epub 2020 Jun 16.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

The advents of current direct-acting antiviral treatments has revolutionised the therapeutic approach to hepatitis C, increasing cure rates to above 90% and substantially simplifying treatment, which translates into benefits for patients, clinicians and the health system. These new drugs allow cure to be achieved, irrespective of the patient's characteristics, with tolerability similar to that of placebo and few drug reactions with concomitant medication. This in turn improves patients' quality of life and wellbeing. Moreover, these drugs allow multidisciplinary optimisation of the approach to patients with hepatitis C, thus reducing both short- and long-term costs. All these factors facilitate treatment universality, with treatments that are less influenced by specific factors and that allow better results to be obtained in a larger number of patients. Elimination of hepatitis C is now a real possibility. Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled "The value of simplicity in hepatitis C treatment", which is sponsored by Gilead. © 2019 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Antivirales de acción; Direct-acting antivirals; Hepatitis C; Simplicidad; Simplicity; Tratamiento; Treatment; directa.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cost Savings
  • Drug Interactions
  • Health Facilities
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Primary Health Care
  • Prisons
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents