Treatment with HARVONI® 95% to 99% Success | SunnyPharma.Org

Harvoni
Source: Gilead Sciences

5 minute read.

This is the most definitive article on HARVONI® (generic Harvoni) in 2021.

Before we dive deep in to Harvoni.

We’ll ask the following questions:

What is Harvoni?

What is Harvoni used to treat?

Why is treatment with Harvoni important?

What came before treatment with Harvoni?

When and where did Harvoni come from?

Who discovered Harvoni?

How much does Harvoni cost?

What is Harvoni?

Harvoni is a prescription drug to treat hepatitis C.

The pronunciation of Harvoni is Har·​vo·​ni | \ här-ˈvō-nē.

The ingredients of Harvoni (generic Harvoni):

  1. ledipasvir 90mg and.
  2. sofosbuvir 400mg.

What is Harvoni used to treat?

Acute hepatitis C is a candidate for treatment with Harvoni.

Also, chronic hepatitis C.

Acute and chronic hepatitis C scars the liver, this is called cirrhosis.

There are two types of cirrhosis when discussing hepatitis C:

  1. Compensated cirrhosis – no symptoms of liver scarring
  2. Decompensated cirrhosis – symptoms from severe liver scarring

Treatment with Harvoni for compensated cirrhosis is one tablet a day for 84 days.

While, decompensated cirrhosis requires Harvoni and ribavirin for 12 to 24 weeks.

Usually, patients with decompensated cirrhosis may opt for a liver transplant.

Only, if the condition continues to rapidly decline.

However, Harvoni treatment for hepatitis C has been effective.

Successful hep C treatment with Harvoni is in the range of 95% to 99%.

Why is treatment with Harvoni important?

We know that Harvoni treats hepatitis C.

Before, our grandparents (in the US) would die of hepatitis C.

Remember, hepatitis C (hep C or HCV) is a highly infectious disease.

Its a public health hazard.

Hep C kills approximately 15,000 people every year in the US.

In Europe, hepatitis C virus kills 86,000 every year, according to WHO.

Approximately 2% of the EU (European Union) population has hepatitis C.

Majority of these hepatitis C infections are in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Globally hepatitis C kills approximately 400,000 people.

We believe the numbers could be much higher.

Statistics in developing countries like China or India are not that reliable.

Same goes for data from South America, Africa, Middle East and Oceania.

We just know, hepatitis C is a killer.

Today, with the help of new hepatitis C treatments (drugs), hep C can be cured.

What came before treatment with Harvoni?

Hepatitis C treatment(s) prior to Harvoni were not effective.

The standard treatments available were:

1. Pegylated-Interferon-Alfa (injection)

2. with ribavirin (ribavirin)

Success rate of the combination of pegylated-inteferon-alfa with ribavirin varied.

Most hep c patients couldn’t handle the very harsh side effects of this treatment.

Compliance rate was very low.

Before Harvoni was made available to the  public.

Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400mg) came out in 2013.

Like Harvoni, Sovaldi treats chronic hepatitis C.

 

Sovaldi is a drug to treat hepatitis C.

It was discovered in 2007.

The person behind the drug discovery was Dr. Michael Sofia.

Not until 2012, did Sovaldi get approval from the FDA.

Our government is very strict with the drug approval process.

Sovaldi had to go through many clinical trials.

Only then it was made available to the public for hep C treatment.

Hepatitis C treatment prior to Harvoni were not effective.

The standard treatments available were:

1. Pegylated-Interferon-Alfa (injection)

2. with ribavirin (ribavirin)

Success rate of the combination of pegylated-inteferon-alfa with ribavirin varied.

Most hep c patients couldn’t handle the very harsh side effects of this treatment.

Compliance rate was very low.

Sovaldi replaced those difficult injections with tablets.

The main ingredient of Sovaldi is sofosbuvir 400mg.

Sofosbuvir pronunciation is so·​fos·​bu·​vir | \ sō-ˈfäs-bu̇-ˌvir.

Its once a day tablet (taken by mouth) for 84 days for most cases.

The hepatitis C virus genotypes it cures are 1, 2, 3 or 4.

Genotypes 5, 6 or 7 can also be cured with sofosbuvir combinations of:

1. ledipasvir

2. velpatasvir

3. simeprevir

4. daclatasvir

5. peylated-interferon-alfa

6. ribavirin

These combination of sofosbuvir can cure hepatitis C.

All known hepatitis C virus genotypes.

Yes, it is a miracle.

 

Harvoni was approved by the FDA in 2015.

FDA approved Sovaldi in 2014.

Sovaldi cost $1,100 for one tablet.

That was too pricey for the US market.

There were many protests.

Some leaned towards riots.

People with hepatitis C were not happy.

They wanted the government to put a price cap on Sovaldi.

Public requests or demands were not in step with law makers.

“Big Pharma” is very well established in the halls of congress.

Lobbyists from pharmaceutical companies shower political parties with cash.

Approximately, $303.63 million dollars in 2020.

The price of Sovaldi didn’t budge.

84 days (12 weeks) of Sovaldi cost $84,000.

For 168 days (24 weeks) of treatment cost $168,000.

Price of Sovaldi did not budge.

Protests highlighted hepatitis C as a highly infectious disease.

That was about it.

The bad part was how media portrayed hep C.

It was a IV drug users disease.

That didn’t help with public sentiment.

36.3% of baby boomers have hepatitis C. (recipients of blood that was not screened)

Throughout the country, state health systems went berzerk.

By law, whoever was under their (state’s) care, they had to treat them.

One problem.

State health budgets could not absorb the costs.

While the manufacturer of Sovaldi, Gilead Sciences, was increasing their revenue.

States health care systems were going bust.

As a society we were questioning our healthcare system.

Unfortunately, nothing changed.

Almost expected.

Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400mg) made $10.3 billion in 2013.

Gilead Sciences made $44 billion in three years with only two drugs:

1. Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)

2. Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir)

Yes, Gilead Sciences was the darling of Wall Street that year.

Their CFO, Robin Washington, retires in 2020.

We are sure a very good retirement.

Not to poke at Robin, its our institution.

Its our American way of life.

We built it and so we must live with it.

Unless there are other options. (more on that later)

Many Americans and foreigners are looking for affordable treatment.

Treatment with Harvoni can be affordable.

In 2019, Gilead Sciences released their generic Harvoni:

Ledipasvir 90mg and sofosbuvir 400mg.

Generic Harvoni cost $24,000 for 12 weeks hepatitis C treatment.

24 weeks would run you $48,000.

A lot better than $168,000 back in 2014.

I guess things are getting better.

Now, what if you can’t afford $24,000 for three months.

Or $48,000 for six months of hep c treatment.

Insurance can help out.

Often times, you pay half the price, $12,000.

Not bad.

GoodRx has a price range of $5,456 to $11,720 for one bottle.

That is 28 tablets per bottle of generic Harvoni (ledipasvir /sofosbuvir).

Most people need three bottles.

84 tablets to clear the virus.

While some require 6 bottles and 168 tablets.

Treatment with Harvoni has a cure rate of 95% to 99%.

Insurance approval for Harvoni was considerably lower.

Only 15% of were approved for Harvoni.

Those not approved, just had to wait.

Their liver has to be a F3 or F4 fibrosis stage.

Only then Harvoni may be considered for treatment.

VENCLEXTA® COST SAVINGS 80% (venetoclax) | SunnyPharma.Org

venclexta cost

We will help you gain access to medicine that is not available or approved in your country.

The World Health Organization and SunnyPharma.Org supports your right to life saving medicine, regardless of the country you live in.

What is Venclexta / Venclyxto (venetoclax) cost?

Before we get in to the real Venclexta cost, let’s look in to what it is and what it does.

Venclyxto is the name of Venclexta in the European Union.

Venclexta / Venclyxto is a prescription medicine in the US,  UK, Australia and EU.

The chemical structure and formula of Venclexta:

venclexta price

       

      C45H50ClN7O7S

Who manufactures Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg)?

Abbvie Inc manufactures Venclexta 100mg.

FDA approved Venclexta in 2015 for the US market.

Venclyxto is the name that Abbvie markets the drug in the European Union.

The EU has approved marketing for Venclyxto in 2016.

Venetoclax is the generic name of Venclexta / Venclyxto.

Venclexta is also marketed by Gentech in the US.

venclexta aml

What does Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg) treat?

 AML, CLL and SLL, are types of cancers Venclexta / Venclyxto (venetoclax) treats.

Let’s define cancer, lymphoma and leukemia that are associated the treatment of Venclexta / Venclyxto (venetoclax 100mg)

Cancer is when a group of cells become abnormal and invade/spread throughout the body.

There are over 100 different types of cancers.

Lymphoma cancer is from lymphocytes, the germ fighting system of the body.

This type of cancer originates in the bone marrow, spleen and thymus gland.

However, it can affect other organs throughout the body.

Leukemia is a group of blood cancers.

The cancer usually originates in bone marrow and in the lymphatic system.

venclexta side effects

What Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Venclexta 100mg AML)?

AML cancer starts when cells in an area of the body begin to grow out of control.

When cells in an area of the body begin to grow out of control, cancer starts.

There are many kinds of cancer.

Cells in nearly any area of the body can become cancerous cells.

Cancer starts when cells in an area of the body begin to grow out of control.

Leukemias are cancers that start in cells that would normally develop into different types of blood cells.

Most often, leukemia starts in early forms of white blood cells, but some leukemias start in other blood cell types.

There are several types of leukemia.

Basically they fall in to two categories:

  1. Acute – fast growing
  2. Chronic – slower growing

Leukemia cancers start in one of two places:

  1. Lymphoid cells
  2. Myeloid cells

Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg) provides treatment for both types of leukemia.

Overview of the terms:

AML, acute myeloid leukemia is a fast growing myeloid cancer.

CLL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a slower growing lymphoid cancer.

SLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma is also a slower  growing lymphoid cancer.

Venetoclax 100mg has been proven to be effective for AML, CLL and SLL.

Because Venetoclax is so often prescribed by doctors, its often referred to as “Venclexta AML“.

lucivenet venetoclax

What is CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia)?

CLL is a slow growing cancer that usually does not cause any pain or discomfort.

The cancer is usually found in the blood and bone marrow of the individual.

As the disease progresses, the lymph nodes are found to have cancer cells.

If and when lymph nodes are found to have cancer cells, this is called small lymphocytic lymphoma.

What is SLL (small lymphocytic lymphoma)?

SLL starts on in the lymph nodes in the groin, neck or armpit areas.

The lymph nodes are usually feel swollen to the touch.

Sometimes they are visibly swollen.

Are CLL and SLL the same types of cancers?

Pretty much.

First CLL is found in the soft tissues, usually in the abdomen area.

Where as SLL is found in the neck, groin or armpit areas.

As CLL develops, in the later stages its found in the lymph nodes.

SLL start off in the lymph nodes.

In that way, you can say that CLL and SLL are almost the same disease.

They just start in different parts of the body.

CLL starts with a discomfort in the abdomen area.

Patients often eat a small meal and say they feel full.

This is because the tumor is growing in the upper left part of the abdomen.

The spleen gets inflamed in the process.

Whereas small lymphocytic leukemia is usually found in the groin, neck or armpit.

There is a usually a painless swelling in the area.

What are the Symptoms of AML, CLL and SLL?

There are two types of symptoms that doctors refer to AML, CLL and SLL

These symptoms are often called B symptoms.

There are also A symptoms.

“A” symptoms are really an absence of symptoms.

While B symptoms are symptoms show up and the patient complains of pain and discomfort.

They can help classify the stage and prognosis of CLL and SLL disease.

All stages of CLL and SLL can be effectively treated with Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax).

Prices of Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg) in India a fraction of the cost.

venclexta aml side effects

What are AML symptoms?

  1. loss of color (paleness)
  2. unknowing weight loss
  3. heavy sweating at night
  4. high fevers
  5. repetitive infection
  6. nose bleeds
  7. skin bruising
  8. shortness of breath
  9. fatigue (tiredness)
  10. pain joints and bone

What are CLL symptoms?

  1. rapid weight loss (10kg or 23lbs in 6 months)
  2. night sweats
  3. chills
  4. recurrent infections
  5. abnormal bleeding
  6. breathlessness
  7. feeling tired all the time
  8. high fever temperature
  9. easily bruising skin
  10. infections are more common

What are SLL symptoms?

  1. swollen belly and abdomen
  2. infections are recurrent
  3. breathing difficulty (shortness of breath)
  4. fever
  5. night sweating
  6. bruising of the skin is common
  7. feeling full by eating very little

venclexta side effects

What are Venclexta / Venclyxto Common Side Effects?

Most side effects of Venclexta/ Venclyxto (venetoclax) include:

1. Tiredeness (fatigue)
2. Anemia (low iron in blood)
3. Repsiratory (upper) tract infection
4. Diarrhea
5. Vomitting (nausea)
6. Neutorphil cell count reduced (neutropenia)

What are Serious Side Effects of Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg)?

1. Tumor lysis syndrome or TLS
2. Pneumonia
3. Febrile neutropenia

how to take venclexta

How do I take Venclexta / Venclyxto (venetoclax)?

The dosage chart for Venclexta / Venclyxto (venetoclax) is:

  1. First week: 20mg a day
  2. Second week: 50mg a day
  3. Third week: 100mg a day
  4. Fourth week: 200mg a day
  5. Fifth week: 400mg a day

The fifth week and beyond the dosage is 400mg a day.

Venclexta / Venclyxto will come in one month supply bottle.

It will contain 112 tablets, 100mg strength.

What is the price of Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg)?

Specialty drugs in the US and in other developed countries are out of reach for most people.

Especially if they don’t have insurance.

Usually, if you have Medicare or Medicaid (US health systems), then Venclexta will be covered 100%.

Same goes for most European and  UK health systems, Venclyxto will be 100% covered.

Most probably your insurance (in Western countries) has covered the cost of Venclexta / Venclyxto.

venclexta aml

How is Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg) so Expensive?

According to the  New York Times, to develop and manufacture drugs specialty drugs does not have to be that expensive.

Often times, the research (in the US) to develop these drugs are often subsidized by non profits and US grants.

Abbvie spent about $51 million dollars to develop Venclexta in the US

Majority of the money came from non profits and grants (public tax payers money).

Venclexta / Venclyxto has earned Abbvie $1.52 billion dollars one  year after its launch.

Like most big pharmaceutical companies want to maximize profit.

Its the same old argument, we are capitalists, we are not European socialists.

There has be a little bit of compassion for basic healthcare. 

venetoclax 100mg

What is Venclexta 100mg  cost / Venclyxto 100mg cost (venetoclax cost) in US, Europe and India?

Venclexta cost for 112, 100mg tablets is $13,172 in the US.

Venclyxto cost for 112, 100mg tablets is $5,040 from Europe.

The cost of generic Venclexta or Venclyxto price in India is only $1395 to $1495 for 100mg, 120 tablets. 

Discount pricing of 3+ bottles  of Venetoclax is $995 (6+ bottles) to $1295 (3+ bottles)

Shipping via EMS is $45 to $270 (based on the number of bottles)

Shipping via DHL is $350 to $750 payable to Indian customs officials.

Physical delivery by medical courier is $300 (nearby countries to India) to $1800 (North & South America).

*Covid 19 has increased flight prices to all countries near India over 500% to 1000%.

Abbvie has made it challenging for generic Venclexta / Venclyxto from reaching many developing countries.

Shipping for generic Venclexta varies from country to country because of Abbvie Inc patent laws.

Majority of the shipping costs go to customs officials in the sending and receiving countries.

What is Your Human Right to Access Healthcare and Treatment?

According to World Health Organization (WHO) Article 12 on human rights, all people have the right to healthcare and treatment regardless of which country they reside in.

This is our motto and our legal right to give access to Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg) for all global citizens.

financial aid for venetoclax

We Provide Financial Support for Venclexta 100mg / Venclyxto 100mg (venetoclax 100mg)?

Sunny Pharma will provide Venclexta / Venclyxto price at additional discounts.

Our Patient Assistance Programs can help reduce the cost for Venclexta / Venclyxto (veneotclax).

We will provide Venclexta / Venclyxto 5% above cost,  as a discount.

The manufacturer of Venclexta / Venclyxto (venetoclax) provides discounts on 5 bottles or more.

Please contact us for more information here.


Want to talk to a health advocate about Venclexta cost?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.org or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Foods To Avoid with Hep C (2021) | SunnyPharma.Org

foods bad for liver and hepatitis C

Foods to Avoid with Hep C

There are quite a few foods to avoid with hep C, there are more to know that help your hep C.

(At the end of this article you will find a list of best foods for hepatitis C treatment)

Your liver is essentially a chemical processing plant, designed to eliminate toxins from your body.

Its primary job is to filter the blood from your digestive system.

So, make it easy on your liver while you go through this healing process.

If you have cirrhosis of the liver, it is more important than ever to avoid salty foods – this includes fast foods.

Try to consume high protein and high caloric (good calories) foods.

Your may feel weak and not have much of an appetite, but its important to nourish your body during this healing process.

Felling tired from hepatitis C, here are some tips to deal with fatigue, read more.

 

foods bad for liver

Healthy food for your liver: Hepatitis C

Lets follow a healthy Hep C diet

Like most healthy diets, try to eat lots of green leafy vegetables (spinach), oatmeal (lots of fiber) and broccoli.

Coffee and hep C is okay, 2 to 3 cups can help the recovery of your damaged liver.

Green tea is also good.

Stay away from sugar, try blueberries or cranberries instead.

Enjoy almonds for a snack.

If you like a little spice go for some curry powder, cumin and cinnamon.

Sprinkle a little sage, oregano or rosemary on your meal instead of salt.

 

hepatitis c and drinking coffee

Coffee and Hepatitis C

In regards to coffee and hepatitis C, its seems its okay overall. 

Just don’t over do it, like having 4 to 10 cups of strong coffee.

Try to eat 4 to 7 small meals a day,  make sure you are getting your calories and strength to fight of the virus.

You will be out of the woods soon enough, just hang in there.

How to keep your liver healthy in the mean time.

In the mean time, see a list of some of the foods, medicines, herbs, vitamins and supplements you should try to avoid while going through treatment.

 

What Foods to avoid for Hep C?

1. Do not drink alcohol (it can speed up damage to your liver cells)
2. Do not use illegal drugs (your liver has to work harder to repair itself)
3. Do not smoke (again your liver has to work hard to remove toxins from smoke)

 

What medicine to avoid for Hep C?

4. Tranquilizers and sleeping pills
5. Nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
6. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

 

What herbs and herbal products to avoid for Hep C?

7. Kava
8. Margosa oil
9. Mistletoe
10. Pennyroyal or squaw mint oil
11. Germander
12. Jin Bu Huan
13. Skullcap
14. Chaparral
15. Yohimbe
16. Comfrey, mate and gordolobo yerba teas

 

What vitamins and supplements to avoid for Hep C?

17. Weight loss products
18. Wieght loss supplements
19. Iron vitamin large doses
20. Vitamin A large doses
21. Vitamin D large doses
22. Vitamin E large doses
23. Vitamin K large doses

 

What foods to avoid with Hep C?

24. Shellfish
25. Raw oysters
26. Foods with high fat content
27. Foods with high sugar content
28. Foods with high salt content

Even eating a proper diet when your taking hepatitis C treatment like Harvoni, Sovaldi or Epclusa, its real important to stay positive.

Mental fog and depression can creep in.

If you exercise and avoid foods bad for liver hep C, you will live a long and healthy life after your HCV complete treatment.

 

Best Foods for Hepatitis C Treatment

We have exhausted the list of 28 foods bad for hep C.

Let’s focus on the best foods for hepatitis C treatment.

Having good nutrition is important in our daily lives.

Its more important when you are fighting the hepatitis C virus.

As you go through the hepatitis C treatment process, you may experience side effects.

This is normal.

And your body (and mind) should be in good form.

That’s where the good nutrition comes in.

Best foods for hepatitis C treatment are the following:

Nutrient rich fruits and vegetables:

1. Bananas (potassium & B6)
2. Apples (vitamin A)
3. Broccoli (fiber & folate)
4. Asparagus (folate)
5. Oranges (vitamin C & B6)
6. Dark leafy greens (B6)
7. Cantaloupes (B6)
8. Chick peas (B6)
9. Fortified cereals (B6)
10. Beets (folate)
11. Nuts & seed (folate)
12. Avocado (folate)

Eat foods that have lot of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate.

This will help your liver rebuild and recover faster.

Hepatitis C virus infection can wreak havoc on your liver.

So, its important to provide your liver the best foods during hepatitis C treatment.

Protein rich foods that will help your liver during the treatment process are:

13. Seafood
14. Eggs
15. Fish
16. Chicken
17. Soy products (tofu)

Stay away from beef, pork and other red meats.

 

Add a little diary products like:

18. Milk
19. Yogurt
20. Cheese

Dairy has always been a good source of protein.

Whole grains should be incorporated in your hep C diet.

21. Whole oats
22. Brown rice
23. Wild rice
24. Whole grain pastas like quinoa, wheat and buckwheat

Eating whole grains help reduce cardiovascular disease and help with bowel movement.

In addition to having fiber, whole grains have zinc, iron, magnesium and B vitamins.

Lastly, its important to be well hydrated with plenty of water during the HCV treatment process.

Try drinking green tea, it has shown to be very beneficial in several studies.

If you like coffee and caffeine, its okay to consume in moderate amounts.

Just don’t over do it.

These are just some of the best foods for hepatitis C treatment.

Use your common sense and good judgement during this healing process.

Your liver will be clear of the hepatitis C infection very soon.

 


Want to talk to a health advocate about foods that can help your liver?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.org or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Hepatitis C Genotypes: A Definitive Guide (2021) | SunnyPharma.Org

hepatitis c genotypes
              Sara White, PharmD

5 minute read.

This is the ultimate hepatitis C genotypes guide in 2021.

You will learn all about genotypes that exist.

Without having to study microbiology.

Successful treatment starts with understanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes.

Author: Sara White, Doctor of Pharmacy, Masters in Public Health and is the resident expert on drug pricing, generics and healthcare accessibility.

What are hepatitis C genotypes?

First let’s define what hepatitis C genotypes are.

Second, why are they important in treating hepatitis C infections.

A genotype is a broad term to define the genetic makeup of any organism.

In this case it is the genetic code (RNA not DNA) of the hepatitis C virus or HCV.

HCV Genotypes and Subtypes

HCV has 7 genotypes and 142 subtypes according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Genotypes are labeled as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.

For most folks with hepatitis C, you don’t need to worry about subtype.

This is just for general knowledge.

The genotype subtypes is usually a lower-case letter a, b, c and so on.

For example: genotype 1a, where a is the subtype.

Its important to note that each genotype subtype is a distinct hepatitis C virus.

Knowing your genotype lets your health care team know which treatment is best for you.

Why are hepatitis C genotypes important for treatment?

Genotypes tell us exactly what kind of hep C virus you have and the HCV treatment.

We don’t want to put a square peg in a round hole.

Treating hepatitis C is serious.

It needs to be done the right the first time.

Last thing you need is the HCV virus to be resistant to your treatment.

Then try again with another treatment option…if it exists.

Today, we are very lucky to have direct acting antivirals or DAAs.

DAAs work and they have a 95%+ cure rate for almost all hep C genotypes.

baby boomers hep c

Why people have different hepatitis C genotypes?

Genotypes are not entirely based on ethnic or race or people.

With that said, some genotypes maybe more common in some race compared to others.

For example, African Americans, 90% have hep C genotype 1.

Compare that to European (Caucasian) Americans, 67% have genotype 1.

Over the years we have learned a few things about genotypes.

Genotypes 1b (b is the subtype) and 3 have a higher risk of liver cancer.

Development of cirrhosis is also common with genotype 1b compared to other genotypes.

The good news is hepatitis C can be cured with one oral tablet a day for 84 days.

Today, we have direct acting antivirals or DAAs that bind to the virus protein.

Once the antivirals bind to the virus protein, the virus life cycle is interrupted or stopped.

The virus cannot duplicate.

That’s the miracle of direct acting antivirals.

What are the most common genotypes?

We’re going to give you some numbers on HCV genotype distribution in the US.

Here is a a nice pie graph:

hepatitis c genotypes

Over 70% of Americans have genotype 1.

The second most common are genotypes 2 or 3.

Overall, genotypes 1, 2 and 3 are found all over the world.

Genotypes 4, 5 and 6 make up less than 1.5% of the US  population

The 1.5% of the demographic are most probably new or 1st generation immigrants.

Folks who have their ancestry from Middle East and Africa, have genotype 4.

South Africans most often have genotype 5.

Whereas genotype 6 is mostly found in Southeast Asia.

Democratic Republic of Congo is predominantly genotype 7.

How do I find out my genotype?

harvoni ledipasvir sofosbuvir

What treatment works for each HCV genotypes?

  • Epclusa – HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
  • Sovaldi, Harvoni, Technivie, Olysio and Viekira XR – HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 & 4
  • Zepatier – HCV genotypes 1 or 4
  • Sovaldi & Daklinza – HCV genotypes 2 or 3
  • Harvoni – HCV genotypes 1, 4, 5 & 6

Sometimes weight based ribavirin is used with the treatments mentioned.

Ribavirin is known to cause serious birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women.

Male partners of pregnant women should not use ribavirin.

Planning for pregnancy should only be done after stopping ribavirin for atleast 6 months.

This applies to both men and women.

hep c genotypes

Which hepatitis C genotypes are challenging to treat?

Hepatitis C genotype 3 is the second most common genotype in the world.

Unfortunately, it is also one of the most challenging hep C genotypes to treat.

Especially if the patient has cirrhosis, has tried treatment or has decompensated liver disease.

Decompensated liver disease can be life threatening and can lead to liver failure.

Hep Genotype 3 is also known to progress rapidly towards liver disease.

Also, cause steatosis (fatty liver disease) and hepatocellular carcinoma (cancer).

Overall, hep C genotype 3 requires longer treatment plans.

Cure rates can be low for patients with cirrhosis.

However, hep C genotype 3 can be cured.

Just requires more discipline and a positive mind set.

velpatasvir sofosbuvir treats all hepatitis C genotypes

What do I need to do to find my hep C genotype?

First, get tested for hepatitis C virus with a blood draw or a fingerstick.

If you test positive, your doctor will find out the viral load and run blood tests for your genotype.

Genotype allows your health care team to determine which treatment plan is best.

Some HCV genotypes (1a and 1b) require more blood tests to see if the virus has any resistance.

Overall, hepatitis C treatment is much simpler and a lot safer than it was even 7 years ago.

Cure rates are very high but affordability of hep C treatment is out of reach.

What is the hep C genotype 1 life expectancy?

Hep C genotype 1 life expectancy is very high.

As long as you get treated right away.

90% of hepatitis C cases can be treated within eight to twelve weeks.

Hep C genotype 1 is the most common genotype in the world.

Also in the United States.

It is less than 0.01% that hep C genotype 1 cannot be cured.

Life expectancy of hep C genotype 1 is shortened for five reasons:

  1. cirrhosis of the liver
  2. compensated liver
  3. decompensated liver
  4. treatment noncompliance
  5. not starting treatment

SVR (sustained virologic response) is 95% to 100% for hep C genotype 1.

This is good news after 8 to 12 of weeks of treatment.

The hepatitis C virus is not detectable for hep C genotype 1 after treatment.

hep C genotype 1a treatment side effects

What are hep C genotypes 1a treatment side effects?

 Hep C genotype 1a treatments are:

1. Harvoni or generic Harvoni (ledipasvir 90mg / sofosbuvir 400mg)

2. Viekiera Pak – ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir and dasabuvir plus ribavirin

3. Olysio – simprevir used with sofosbuvir or peginterferon-alfa and ribavirin.

Harvoni or generic Harvoni common side effects for hep C genotype 1a treatment:

  1. headache
  2. fatigue (tiredness)

Viekira Pak common side effects for hep C genotype 1a treatment:

  1. uncontrollable desire to itch and scratch
  2. vomiting (nausea)
  3. tiredness (fatigue)
  4. yellowing of the eyes
  5. headache
  6. cough
  7. inability to sleep (insomnia)
  8. easy ability to be irritable and be angry

Side effects (common) of Olysio for hep C genotype 1a treatment:

  1. severe skin rash
  2. nausea (vomiting)
  3. headache
  4. red eye
  5. breathlessness (shortness of breath)
  6. fatigue (tiredness)
  7. puffy eyes
  8. mouth sores

WARNING: Do not take amiodarone with Olysio, it can be fatal.

hep c genotype 2b

what is hep C genotype 2b?

Most folks that have hep C genotype 2b maybe ancestrally from Western Africa.

Hep C genotype 2b is also found in Europe, Asia and Oceania.

About 13% to 15% of hepatitis C cases are genotype 2b.

Generally, hepatitis C genotype 2 is very easy to treat.

Treatment for Hep C genotype 2b is straightforward:

  1. Epclusa or generic Epclusa (velpatasvir 100mg and sofosbuvir 400mg)
  2. Mavyret

Epclusa or generic Epclusa (velpatasvir 100mg andsofosbuvir 400mg) regimen:

  1. one tablet a day
  2. 84 days or 12 weeks

Mavyret treatment regimen for hep C genotype 2b:

  1. three tablets once a day (at the same time)
  2. 56 days or 8 weeks

As previously mentioned, hep C genotype 2b can be treated successfully.

hepatitis c genotype 7 or hcv genotype 7

What is HCV genotypes 7?

Hepatitis C (HCV) genotype 7 is only found in Democratic Republic of Congo.

HCV genotype 7 responds to Epclusa or generic Epclusa (velpatasvir 100mg and sofosbuvir 400mg)

Cost of Epclusa is $74,760. 

Epclusa cost (generic Epclusa) can be drastically reduced to less than $800.

Hepatitis C genotype 7 treatment rates are very high from 95% to 100%.

hcv rna genotypes

What is HCV RNA genotypes?

HCV is hepatitis C virus.

RNA is ribonucleic acid.

Genotype is the inherited collection of an individual genes.

HCV RNA is the detection and measurement of viral RNA from a blood test.

Genotype is a blood test that allows to determine the subtype (precise gene) of the virus.

RNA genotype are blood tests to detect and measure:

  1. viral load of the hepatitis C virus
  2. hepatitis C virus subtype

hcv genotype labcorp

What is hep C genotype labcorp?

Hepatitis C virus has 7 genotypes.

Genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7

Labcorp can provide hep C genotype test for $158 to $259.

hep c genotype 1a with cirrhosis

What is hep C genotype 1a with cirrhosis?

Hep C genotype 1a with cirrhosis can be life threatening.

If it is not treated right away.

There are 3 treatment options for hep C genotype 1a with cirrhosis:

  1. Harvoni or generic Harvoni (ledipasvir 90mg / sofosbuvir 400mg)
  2. Epclusa or generic Epclusa (velpatasvir 100mg / sofosbuvir 400mg)
  3. Mavyert
  4. Zepatier

Harvoni (generic Harvoni) and Epclusa (generic Epclusa):

  1. one tablet a day
  2. 84 days or 12 weeks.

Mavyret:

  1. three tablets taken at the same time once a day.
  2. 56 days or 8 weeks.

Zepatier:

  1. one tablet a day
  2. 84 days or 12 weeks
  3. some patients may take for 112 days or 16 weeks.

hep c treatment cost

How to reduce costs for hepatitis C genotypes treatments?

Hep C treatment costs need to come down considerably.

Some insurance make it affordable and accessible compared to others.

Affordability should not be an issue for treatments like Harvoni, Sovaldi, Daklinza and Epclusa.

These treatments are readily available and accessible at affordable prices.

Hepatitis C genotypes are important in understanding what hepatitis C virus strain you have.

Knowing your hep C  genotype increases your chance of successful treatment. 

The first time around.

Find out your hepatitis C genotype.

Share it with your doctor.

Find the correct hepatitis C treatment for your hep C genotype.

Follow through with your specific hep C treatment plan.

Stay disciplined.

Eat nutritionally.

Drink lots of water.

Get plenty of rest during this healing  process.

You will be cured.


Want to learn more about hepatitis C genotypes, talk to our healthcare advocate?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.org or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Baby Boomers Hep C FREE Testing (2021) | SunnyPharma.Org

Baby Boomers hep C
Baby Boomers hep C

Why are baby boomers more inclined to be infected with hep C?

First, let us understand what a baby boomer is.

Baby boomers are individuals that were born between 1945 to 1965, give or take a few years.

Why do baby boomers have hep C?

In early to mid 1900’s in the US, hygiene and blood borne infections were not well understood. 

Doctors’ often performed surgeries with unwashed hands.

During the South Korean war many doctors would operate on multiple patients without gloves or hand washing.

Essentially moving infection from one patient to another unknowingly.

The most probable reason for why baby boomers have hep C is due to lack of testing in the blood supply.

Hep C transmission was rampant during this period.

Proven and effective methods of testing the blood supply was was non existent.

Only in June 1992 was the national blood supply tested to be virus free.

Contamination by blood was common and sterilization practices of medical instruments were sub par, according to a Harvard publication.

Hepatitis C made leaps and bounds in America during this dark age of medical and clinical science.

 hepatitis C and baby boomers risk

What percentage of baby boomers have hep C?

According to Piedmont.org, one in 30 baby boomers have hepatitis  C.

The rate of infection is about 3.3% to 5% amongst baby boomers.

As of today, almost 75% of all chronic hepatitis C is from baby boomers.

This is the reason the US government has created a task force to request people of ages 18 to 79 get tested for hep C.

Preventative measures and screening can have a real impact on bringing down the rates of HCV infections.

Its all up to us to take the necessary steps, get screened and if need be get cured.

hepatitis C screening

Is there FREE hep C screening?

The US state legislature has set up hepatitis C screening centers in every state.

This allows easy access for baby boomers to get screened for HCV.

States like Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee have a higher per capita of hep C infections.

There is not enough data to conclude why some states have a higher rate of hep C than others.

Good news is baby boomers in high risk states have a higher rate of screening compared to others.

This can drastically reduce hep C transmission through prevention education and hepatitis C treatment.

10 to 20 years from now, hepatitis C infection rates will reduced significantly.

Hepatitis C may become a thing of the past in the coming years.

hep c screening for baby boomers

Free Hepatitis C Screening Centers for Baby Boomers

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers a searchable website where you can get tested for hepatitis C for free or low cost.

Here is the link below for the Get Tested for hepatitis C campaign from the CDC.

https://gettested.cdc.gov/

generation Z with high rates of hepatitis C

Is there a hepatitis C vaccine?

As of right now there are no vaccines for hepatitis C.

If there was a hep C vaccine, that would be a boon to mankind.

A hep C vaccine can only protect you before you are infected with the hepatitis C virus.

For baby boomers already infected with hep C, it would be of no use.

Current and future generations can really benefit in a big way.

A recent study from the CDC, states that almost 36% of new chronic hepatitis C infections are from millenials.

Millenials (generation Z) are adults that are in the 20s and 30s today.

As a nation we must do everything we can to keep hepatitis C in check.

It has destroyed more lives and cost the US economy more than HIV.

hepatitis C

Baby Boomers Hep C

If it wasn’t for a contaminated blood supply prior to 1992, baby boomers would be in the clear.

American medical science has come a long way since the mid 20th century.

The days of not being cured for hepatitis C are long gone.

Since 2014, millions of people with HCV have been cured.

The advent of sofosbuvir (2007), the main ingredient in Sovaldi, Harvoni and Epclusa has saved many lives around the world.

Same goes for now.

Baby boomers have a real fighting chance to win the battle against hepatitis C.

Its an amazing opportunity to treat a highly infectious disease with one pill a day for 84 days.

Please talk to your doctor or healthcare team about getting the right hepatitis C treatment.

You have a very high probability of being cured of hepatitis C.

Its time to let go.


Want more information on baby boomers hep C?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.org or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Harvoni Cost & 5 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know | SunnyPharma.Org

harvoni cost
Why does Harvoni Cost So Much?

Why does Harvoni cost so much?

As of this writing Harvoni cost $94,500 for 84 tablets or 12 weeks treatment.

We are going to take a look at 5 surprising facts why Harvoni cost as much as it does.

But, before we do that.

Let us look at some basic facts.

Hepatitis C has been around for a long time.

However, only in 1989 scientists truly isolated and identified the hepatitis C virus or HCV.

For decades, HCV was killing at least 10,000 to 20,000 people a year in the US.

About 2.5 million to 5 million people with hepatitis C living in the US.

Only 1 out of 3 know they even have hepatitis C.

Most of these people were b orn between 1945 to 1965.

The famous baby boomer generation.

Around the world there are approximately 185 million people infected with hepatitis C.

 

harvoni cost
Jonas Salk Gifts the World Polio Vaccine for Free

Contrast Jonas Salk to Michael Sofia

Some of you know who Jonas Salk was, the scientist who discovered the polio vaccine in 1955.

What does this got to do with hepatitis C virus?

Well, Michael Sofia is similar to Salk, except in one BIG way.

Sofia discovered sofosbuvir 2007, a direct acting antiviral that has been very effective in curing hepatitis C.

Sofosbuvir was commercially made available in 2013.

It was a huge hit.

Like Jonas Salk, Michael Sofia was hailed as a miracle worker.

One BIG difference between Salk and Sofia.

Can you guess what that is?

Sofia’s company Pharmaassett where he (supposedly) discovered sofosbuvir was sold to Gilead Sciences.

I say supposedly, because Michael Sofia was doing research at the Veterans Administration hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

The plot thickens…

 

harvoni cost

 

Maximizing Profit Over Public Welfare

Sofia and his colleagues from Emory University were simultaneously doing research on the hepatitis C virus.

The funding was to the tune of a whopping $60.9 million dollars.

You can read more at National Institute of Health website, their investigative report.

Yes, many Americans directly funded the development of sofosbuvir.

If it wasn’t $1000 a pill for sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), then most people wouldn’t care.

But, because its so expensive, we have no option to dissect this very important topic that affects so many lives.

Michael Sofia, sold his company, Pharmasset, in 2011 to Gilead Sciences for $11.2 billion dollars.

Contrast that with Jonas Salk, he gave away the polio vaccine patent to everyone for free.

If Gilead was not a publicly traded company, we as the public would have a hard time figuring any of this out.

Gilead made $22.5 billion dollars in less than two years selling Sovaldi and Harvoni in the US.

There is something else that needs to be mentioned.

Many with hepatitis C patients died because they couldn’t afford the price of Harvoni or the price of Sovaldi.

When these hep C treatments first came out, insurance denied 85% of all patient request.

Doesn’t give you good feeling about insurance companies.

Lawsuits were filed against the Federal government for limiting access to Sovaldi and Harvoni

During this period, we were very fortunate to help facilitate access to affordable hepatitis C treatment from India.

We were able to serve people from around the world get hep C meds at a very low price.

 

harvoni cost in india

US Federal Law and Infectious Diseases like HCV

So, far we know a few things why the cost of Harvoni is so much.

First, Sofia sold the patent of sofosbuvir and his company (Pharmasset) to Gilead Sciences for billions of dollars.

Second, Gilead had to recoup their investment from the acquisition of Pharmasset.

Third is, US Federal law mandates that an infectious disease like hepatitis C must be treated at all costs.

Otherwise the US government would be liable for not containing an infectious disease.

As a result, Gilead took advantage of this situation.

They priced Harvoni and Sovali from $84,000 to $198,000 for 12 weeks to 24 weeks of treatment.

Again why so expensive?

States had a legal burden to provide treatment for the hepatitis C patients under their care.

Regardless of cost.

With that said, Gilead made billions of dollars in a couple of years.

 

harvoni cost in india
Gilead Sciences CEO John Milligan “We price our medicine on the country’s ability to pay.”

Harvoni Cost is Based on the Ability to Pay

Fourth and most important reason is if a person has the ability to pay for the treatment with the help of insurance or not, then price it accordingly.

It can be simplified to mean, if you want to live, cough up the dough.

The price of life.

Most people don’t have the ability to pay $94,000 for 84 tablets to get cured for hepatitis C, so they relied on their insurers to carry them through.

Unfortunately, only 23% of patients applied to get coverage for Harvoni got approved.

Your copay for Harvoni would be anywhere around $18,000 to $38,000, that varied from insurer to insurer.

Most insurers did not cover the cost of hepatitis C drugs because it was too expensive, unless it was life threatening.

And sometimes it was too  late for patients.

Gilead Sciences CEO stated “We price the cost of the meds based on the ability of the country to pay.”

Some smart folks from Harvard said, that these drugs can be paid of with a loan, like a mortgage.

Pay the money back in an installment plan.

Sure if it was maybe $5,000 to $10,000.

Not, $84,000 to $198,000.

But why?

 

Is this America or Communist China?

No! This is not communist China.

Its America!

We have the right to make as much money as we can, as Americans.

The American dream right.

WRONG!

Remember, according to the National Institute of Health, American tax payers funded the research and discovery of sofosbuvir.

Essentially it cost Americans $60.9 million dollars to discover sofosbuvir.

There are approximately 5 million people living with hepatitis C in the US.

If you run the numbers, each HCV infected person paid only $12.18 for sofosbuvir.

We’ll get in to the cost of manufacturing next.

This will be a HUGE surprise for most readers.

 

harvoni treatment

Actual cost of Harvoni

The real cost to make Harvoni is laughable.

Sofosbuvir 400mg and ledipasvir 90mg purchased in large quantities and manufactured would cost approximately $0.36 for 84 tablets.

Just round it way up to one US dollar.

Then 10X it.

You can charge $10 for 84 tablets, saved more lives from the beginning and reduce the monetary burden on state healthcare systems (5 state healthcare budgets went bust because of Harvoni).

Michael Sofia could have been a billionaire even if the price was only $10 per treatment.

Salk did the right thing by making the patent free and clear for the polio vaccine.

“Big Pharma” is not going to stop maximizing profits anytime in the near future.

However, we will do our best to make sure you can buy Harvoni, Sovaldi, Epclusa, Daklinza and  any other medicine at an affordable price.

 


More Reading on Harvoni & Hep C Meds

Gilead Sciences Hep C Drugs

We need to understand Gilead Sciences is a multi billion dollar company that manufactures hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and influenza drugs.

To make a several billion dollars a year in profit will come from the individuals that pay for their patented drugs from around the world.

Gilead Sciences is not a charity and they are very smart in pricing their drugs to maximize profit.

 

How much does Harvoni cost in India?

Harvoni manufacturer Gilead Sciences lost the patent fight in India to monopolize the hepatitis C treatment market.

Read the Fortune Magazine Article here.

The demand for Harvoni when it was first introduced around December 6th 2015, was being sold for 4 to 5 times the retail price due to high demand.

Many American hepatitis C patients came to India to purchase Harvoni drug for their friends and families for a fraction of the price.

Harvoni price in the US was $94,000, and for one Harvoni tablet cost $1119.

That’s a real expensive pill to swallow! Harvoni tablet price in India is about $5 to $10 and is getting more affordable everyday.

Historically many Americans would often buy expensive medicine in Mexico, our Southern neighbor.

Harvoni cost in Mexico was about $48,000 for 84 tablets, 12 weeks treatment.

Hep C treatment in Mexico was not only out of reach for Mexicans but also Americans trying to get a bargain.

Another very popular hep C treatment, Sovaldi price or sofosbuvir price in Mexico was equally expensive about $74,000 about a $10,000 discount compared to what it was sold for in the US.

Why is Harvoni price so expensive?

The number one reason news media and journalists around the country agree on is the research and development that goes in to making Harvoni cost so expensive.

We at Sunny Pharma understand a lot of research and development was put in to discovering sofosbuvir, but after doing our own research, we found out we were completely wrong.

A medical chemist named Michael Sofia invented the drug while working for Pharmasset and a VA hospital.

Pharmasset was bought out by Gilead Sciences for $11.2 billion in 2012.

Some believe it was actually discovered at the VA hospital and the invention of sofosbuvir belongs to the US government.

The Gilead hep C drug went through clinical trials that same year and US FDA approved it to treat hepatitis C.

This still doesn’t explain Harvoni cost, the truth is big money was behind this deal, like Gilead’s investment bankers like Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Baraclay’s bank.

Sovaldi price was set at $84,000 because state health departments could handle the price (some what) and Gilead would profit heavily from it.

Which they did.

Price is about recouping investments and costs from the purchase of Pharmasset.

And business 101, maximize profit.

Gilead made $48 billion dollars in 4 years with their hepatitis C medicines, Sovaldi, Harvoni and Epclusa.

What is the drug Harvoni used to treat?

Harvoni is a drug that is made of ledipasvir 90mg and sofosbuvir 400mg to treat hepatitis C virus.

Harvoni treats hepatitis C genotypes 1, 4, 5 and 6.

It can be used in combination for some genotypes with weight based ribavirin.

What are the side effects of Harvoni?

There are very few if any side effects of Harvoni, a little head fog, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Most hep C patients don’t have any side effects.

The most common Harvoni side effects documented was fatigue and headache, 16% and 11% respectively.

Is Harvoni a pill or an injection?

Harvoni is a pill taken orally once a day for 84 days or 12 weeks to treat hepatitis C and has a very high cure rate of 95% to 99%.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Harvoni?

It is strongly not advised to drink any form of alcohol when taking Harvoni, Sovaldi, Epclusa, Daklinza, Vosevi, Zepatier and other hep C meds.

Since most hepatitis C patients liver is compromised due to the hepatitis C virus, to drink alcohol is like like throwing gasoline on a fire.

All alcohol is processed by the liver.

When you are trying to kill the hep C virus with Harvoni, drinking alcohol is counter acting the treatment and damaging the liver at the same time.

Not advised to drink alcohol while on any hep C treatment.

How long does Harvoni take to work?

Most hepatitis C patients have documented that they feel much better after 7 to 14 days after taking Harvoni tablets.

This data does not represent all hepatitis C patients.

It is important to note that some patients may take weeks and even more than 3 months depending on their viral load and what genotype they have.

However, generally speaking, most hep C patients feel much better after 14 days of treatment with the once a day pill Harvoni.

According to clinical trials data, the most common side effect of ledipasvir sofosbuvir (Harvoni) were slight headaches and  tiredness (fatigue).

Its time to let go of hep C and start a new life with more energy and vigor.

Do not let Harvoni cost be barrier to the new you.


 

Want to talk to a health advocate about reducing Harvoni cost?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.org or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

HARVONI® Harmful to the Body? – Long Term Effects & a Lawsuit? | SunnyPharma.Org

long term side effects of harvoni

Harvoni Side Effects Long Term

Before we jump in to the details of these side effects of Harvoni long term.

Harvoni is direct acting antiviral that treats hepatitis C

Its a combination drug, ledipasvir 90mg and sofosbuvir 400mg, also called generic Harvoni.

It was made available in 2014 by the manufacturer Gilead Sciences.

Warning: you should not drink alcohol while you are on Harvoni treatment.

Often it was prescribed for HCV genotypes 1, 4, 5 or 6.

Usually to treat chronic hepatitis C (sometimes acute HCV cases).

What that means is someone with a viral load of 800,000 virus parts per ml has chronic hepatitis C.

If you don’t have that kind of viral load, most probably your doctor will not prescribe hepatitis C treatment.

First reason is its too expensive, so the doctor usually delays treatment.

That’s the protocol to follow from insurance companies.

So, in a way we can’t really blame the doctors.

As of 2021, more people are getting approved for hep C meds.

That is good news, compared to just a few years ago.

I guess the insurance companies got sick of the lawsuits for not providing life saving treatment.

Its time for us to look at some numbers.

That will give us a better idea on the dangers of Harvoni if any.

 

What does the FDA say about long term side effects of Harvoni?

Are these side effects long lasting or they just last a few weeks or months after treatment.

From clinical studies we have found there are really no significant side effects.

However, that is not to say there are none.

Drugs interactions and  contraindications do vary from individual to individual.

Most drug interactions, after clinical trials, usually don’t harm the person taking them.

If they did, our FDA would not approve them, for the most part.

*Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir) and Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400mg) have been approved for pediatric patients.

So, with that said the long term effects of Harvoni or little to none for most patients.

We still believe its up to your healthcare team to determine if and when you should take Harvoni.

Risk versus rewards based on your overall health status.

 

What is more dangerous, Harvoni or Ibuprofen?

Your gut instinct would say Harvoni.

In the US, 16,000 people died from taking the over the counter pain killer ibuprofen in 2020.

The point is modern medicine can be fatal, for a few.

Again, this is all relative to the number of people that take ibuprofen

Millions of people across the US take ibuprofen everyday.

FDA is not going to ban ibuprofen for a small number of people that die from improper use and abuse.

Any medication that adversely affects large numbers in clinical trials, will not be approved by the FDA.

 

What does the data suggest about harmful effects of Harvoni?

We have to look at all the data before we make the decision to take Harvoni.

So, its not just black and white.

A report by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), in 2016, found that 524 cases of liver failure (121 cases from Harvoni) were due to direct acting antivirals. 

Harvoni contributed to severe liver injury for 1054 cases.

FDA has stated that these findings are not conclusive.

And that should not influence prescribing Harvoni.

 

How many deaths from hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C kills about 400,000 people  a year around the world.

It kills more than any other infectious disease on the planet.

Most people die from liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver.

Often times, Harvoni and other direct acting antivirals are not prescribed.

If and when it is prescribed, it maybe too late and Harvoni can’t do the job.

The liver damage maybe irreversible.

Yes, time is of the essence for many people with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis.

Many factors are involved and its the doctors job to make the call.

Sometimes, the decision to go ahead and take the medicine works out.

In other situations it doesn’t, unfortunately.

That’s the sad price we have to pay as friends & family.

Not treating hepatitis C has a big affect on the liver and may cause cirrhosis.

Screening for hepatitis C for baby boomers and those in high risk communities should be mandated in policy.

Only then we can prevent fatalities due to complications of hepatitis C.

Note: If you experience any side effects from Harvoni or any hepatitis C medications that feel overwhelming, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.


Most Common Harvoni Side Effects Long Term

harvoni side effects long term

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing
  • Lack of sleep
  • Loss of strength
  • irritability

Clinical Trials

Although there are some common side effects while taking Harvoni, many of the patients in the clinical trials were taking it with Ribavirin.

  • Throughout the trials, studies show that patients taking Ribavirin are more likely to have side effects.
  • There has been thousands of Harvoni users that claimed they had few side effects if any.
  • The percentage of patients that discontinue treatment due to intensity of side effects is less than 1%.

Less Common

  1. Dizziness
  2. Mild depression
  3. Loss of appetite
  4. Trouble concentrating (Brain fog)
  5. Feeling of discouragement

Headaches & Dizziness

Headaches are the most common side effect noted by patients who take Harvoni.

Up to 29% of patients have experienced headaches, but some say they are fairly mild.

Dizziness from taking the drug is not as common, only affecting around 1% to 10%.

Physical Weakness & Fatigue

These are some of the most commonly reported effects that can be experienced.

Asthenia (physical weakness) is the most common of all side effects.

Reportedly around 39% of patients have experienced asthenia during treatment, while only 18% had a feeling of fatigue or tiredness.

Coughing & Dyspnea

Up to 11% of patients have experienced coughing.  

Dyspnea (trouble breathing) is reported in 1% to 10%.

Insomnia, Irritability & Depression

Depression is not very common, but has been reported during clinical trials.

Only 1% reported having a feeling of emptiness or depression.

Many patients who did experience these feelings also battled with depression in the past.

Inability to sleep (insomnia) and irritability are known to be more common, but still reported in as little as 3% to 6%.

Nausea & Diarrhea

Nausea and diarrhea are more common side effects of Harvoni, but it only affects about 3% to 7%. Rates of people who experience this tend to rise with longer treatments.


Want to talk to a health care advocate about Harvoni side effects long term?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.org or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Long Term Effects of Hepatitis C (2021) | SunnyPharma.Org

baby boomers hepatitsi C treatment
Source: Gilead Sciences

There are quite a few long term effects of hepatitis C virus.

Before we get in to the details on the effects of hep C, let’s discuss who is at most risk.

 Baby Boomers.

Yes, baby boomers with hep C are seriously at risk.

This can be mitigated with education and screening.

Need to address hepatitis C and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Among those infected with HCV, 75 to 85 percent will go on to develop chronic illness.

According to CDC figures, of those:

  • 60–70 percent will develop chronic liver disease
  • 5–20 percent will develop cirrhosis of the liver in 20–30 years
  • 1–5 percent will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer

how long does it take for hep c to cause liver damage

How long does it take for hep c to cause liver damage?

Hep C can cause liver damage in two ways:

  1. when hepatitis C  virus goes from acute to chronic condition
  2. not treating the chronic hepatitis C condition

Hepatitis C virus, once infected is called a acute hepatitis C infection. 

Not much liver damage is done in this period, usually.

Chronic condition of the hep C virus takes many years.

Approximately 20 years for the liver to be scarred.

Hep C damage to the liver varies from person to person.

Some people may get liver scarring in a few short years.

It really depends on many factors.

What is the lifestyle of the person?

Do they drink alcohol and have poor diet

If that’s the case their liver will be wrecked in no time.

Then genotype has to be considered.

Some people’s hep C genotype can be less or more challenging to treat.

So, there are many things to be considered.

It may not or may take a long time for hep C to cause liver damage.

Really depends on the person, their lifestyle and their hep C genotype.

What are the Long Term Side Effects of Hepatitis C Treatment?

First, we’ll go over the old hepatitis C treatment long term side effects (before 2014):

  1. Pegylated interferon-alfa (often referred to as peg interferon or just interferon)
  2. with ribavirin

Long term side effects are many for pegylated interferon-alfa with ribavirin. 

Some of the most common long term side effects are:

  1. inability to sleep
  2. vomiting (nausea)
  3. feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
  4. diarrhea
  5. constipation
  6. low white blood cell count
  7. mood changes
  8. easily irritable
  9. anger comes easy
  10. urge to scratch all over you body
  11. headache
  12. chills
  13. general malaise similar to flu like symptoms
  14. bruising or swelling at the injection site for pegylated interferon-alfa

Those days of  cruel days of interferon and ribavirin are gone.

Adherence to these treatments were less than 50%.

It was just too  hard on the body.

Let’s fast forward to 2014.

This is when sofosbuvir came out.

Or Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400mg).

This drug was a game changer.

It was effective against hepatitis C.

It had a very high cure rate.

The following year, 2015, Harvoni came out.

Harvoni (ledipasvir 90mg and sofosbuvir 400mg) was equally amazing as Sovaldi.

The new hepatitis C treatments belonged to a class called direct acting antivirals.

Or DAAs.

daa hepatitis c treatment

What are the long term side effects of hep C treatment with Harvoni, Sovaldi and Epclusa?

Harvoni, Sovaldi and Epclusa all have side effects but none of them are long term.

Side effects are negligible in most cases.

Most common side effects were:

  1. headache
  2. feeling of tiredness
  3. nausea (vomiting)
  4. change in moods
  5. sometimes diarrhea

They were rarely severe, if any.

In clinical trials less than 0.03% had serious side effects with these new hepatitis  C treatments.

Serious side effects like anemia(low iron in blood) , heart rate (slowed) and severe tiredness (fatigue).

Overall new hepatitis  C treatments did not have long term side effects.

For the most part they were well tolerated in all clinical trials.

The bad news for:

  1. Harvoni (ledipasvir 90mg and sofosbuvir 400mg),
  2. Epclusa (velpatasvir 100mg and sofosbuvir 400mg and
  3. Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400mg)

These expensive hepatitis C treatments caused riots around the globe.

long term side effects of hepatitis C treatment
Woman Sues Insurance Company for Denying Treatment

What happens if Hep C goes untreated?

Most (99%) of people couldn’t afford a $1,100 for one tablet a day hep C treatment.

The prices were through the roof, from $84,000 to $198,000.

For 12 weeks to 24 weeks of treatment.

The cost of Sovaldi and Harvoni were the long term side effects of hepatitis  C treatment.

It would leave families in debt.

Or they could not afford it.

Insurance would not approve it because the costs.

How long can hep C go untreated?

Lot of people suffered.

Because their hep C went untreated.

Many people died.

Every year about 12,000 to 15,000 people die from hepatitis C.

About 30,000 die every year from cirrhosis of the liver.

Just in America. 

Globally 400,000 people die every year from hepatitis  C.

Many of these deaths can be prevented.

As long as they get access to hepatitis C treatment.

One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

In our nation, hep C screening should be vigorously promoted.

Hep C testing should be mandatory for all ages.

Generation Z (those in their late 20s and early 30s) have a high infection rate.

They represent, almost 17% of all new hep C infections.

Hepatitis C is a danger to the public and society in general.

Again, what happens when hep C goes untreated?

  1. scarring of the liver
  2. cirrhosis of the liver
  3. liver cancer
  4. liver failure
  5. blood problems
  6. heart problems
  7. mental health problems
  8. high blood sugar
  9. muscle and joint pain
  10. skin problems
  11. rheumatoid arthritis
  12. kidney disease
  13. nerve problems
  14. osteosclerosis

Unfortunately, death is inevitable if you do not get treated for hepatitis C.

And that too, it must be done early enough in a timely manner.

hep C cure without treatment

Why Some people with hepatitis C were Lucky?

In about 15-25 percent of cases, acute HCV infection clears up without treatment, according to the CDC.

It’s unclear why this happens.

Early treatment with generic Harvoni or generic Epclusa can lower your risk of developing chronic HCV.

Serious hep C infections include or turn in to:

  1. cirrhosis of the liver
  2. liver cancer
  3. finally liver failure

These conditions may require several months (24 weeks or 6 months) of treatment.

That is a lot better than the worst alternative.

R.I.P.

long term effects of hepatitis C

Long term effects of Hepatitis C can be dangerous to your health.

If you have HCV, you should see your doctor regularly so your condition can be monitored.

You can help keep your liver healthy by avoiding alcohol.

Some medications — even those sold over the counter — can damage your liver.

You should check with your doctor before taking medicines or dietary supplements.

Ask your doctor if you should be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.

Blood tests will help your doctor assess the health of your liver over time.

Try to take care not to transmit the virus to others.

Keep cuts and scrapes covered.

Don’t share personal items like your toothbrush or nail clippers.

Don’t donate blood or semen.

Tell all your health care providers that you have hep C before they treat you.

If you’ve suffered severe liver damage, you may need a liver transplant.

However, this is not a cure.

The virus can attack your new liver.

It’s likely you’ll still need antiviral medication.

Studies have shown, hep C can be cured.

With the right treatment.

Even after a liver transplant.

long term effects of hepatitis c

Overview

What is hepatitis?

“Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver.

Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

What is the difference between Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are diseases caused by three different viruses.

Although each can cause similar symptoms, they have different modes of transmission and can affect the liver differently.

Hepatitis A appears only as an acute or newly occurring infection and does not become chronic.

People with Hepatitis A usually improve without treatment.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can also begin as acute infections, but in some people, the virus remains in the body, resulting in chronic disease and long-term liver problems.

There are vaccines to prevent Hepatitis A and B; however, there is not one for Hepatitis C.

If a person has had one type of viral hepatitis in the past, it is still possible to get the other types.

Long term effects of Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver.

It results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person.

Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic.”

Its best to get tested for hepatitis C.

Acute Hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus.

For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection.

Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis C virus remains in a person’s body.

Hepatitis C virus infection can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.

These are just some of the long term effects of hepatitis C.

Long Term Effects of Hep C:

How common is acute Hepatitis C in the United States?

In 2014, there were an estimated 30,500 cases of acute hepatitis C virus infections reported in the United States.

chronic hep c in the united states

How common is chronic Hepatitis C in the United States?

An estimated 2.7-3.9 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C.

How likely is it that acute Hepatitis C will become chronic?

Approximately 75%–85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C virus develop chronic infection.

Hepatitis C Transmission / Exposure

How is Hepatitis C spread?

Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected.

Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

People can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus during such activities as

  • Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs
  • Needle stick injuries in health care settings
  • Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C

Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus infection through

  • Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes
  • Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus
harvoni price https://sunnypharma.org
Long term effects of Hepatitis C

Can Hepatitis C be spread through sexual contact?

Yes, but the risk of transmission from sexual contact is believed to be low.

The risk increases for those who have multiple sex partners, have a sexually transmitted disease, engage in rough sex, or are infected with HIV.

More research is needed to better understand how and when Hepatitis C can be spread through sexual contact.

Can you get Hepatitis C by getting a tattoo or piercing?

A few major research studies have not shown Hepatitis C to be spread through licensed, commercial tattooing facilities.

However, transmission of Hepatitis C (and other infectious diseases) is possible when poor infection-control practices are used during tattooing or piercing.

Body art is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and unregulated tattooing and piercing are known to occur in prisons and other informal or unregulated settings.

Further research is needed to determine if these types of settings and exposures are responsible for Hepatitis C virus transmission.

Can Hepatitis C be spread within a household?

Yes, but this does not occur very often.

If Hepatitis C virus is spread within a household, it is most likely a result of direct, through-the-skin exposure to the blood of an infected household member.

hep c blood spills

How should blood spills be cleaned from surfaces to make sure that Hepatitis C virus is gone?

Any blood spills — including dried blood, which can still be infectious — should be cleaned using a dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water.

Gloves should be worn when cleaning up blood spills.

How long does the Hepatitis C virus survive outside the body?

The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on environmental surfaces, for up to 3 weeks.

how hep c is not spread

What are ways Hepatitis C is not spread?

Hepatitis C virus is not spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing.

It is also not spread through food or water.

Who is at risk for Hepatitis C?

Some people are at increased risk for Hepatitis C, including:
  • Current injection drug users (currently the most common way Hepatitis C virus is spread in the United States)
  • Past injection drug users, including those who injected only one time or many years ago
  • Recipients of donated blood, blood products, and organs (once a common means of transmission but now rare in the United States since blood screening became available in 1992)
  • People who received a blood product for clotting problems made before 1987
  • Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure
  • People who received body piercing or tattoos done with non-sterile instruments
  • People with known exposures to the Hepatitis C virus, such as
  • HIV-infected persons
  • Children born to mothers infected with the Hepatitis C virus
Less common risks include:
  • Having sexual contact with a person who is infected with the Hepatitis C virus
  • Sharing personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes, that may have come in contact with the blood of an infected person

hep c risk in pregnant woman

What is the risk of a pregnant woman passing Hepatitis C to her baby?

Hepatitis C is rarely passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.

About 4 of every 100 infants born to mothers with Hepatitis C become infected with the virus.

However, the risk becomes greater if the mother has both HIV infection and Hepatitis C.

Can a person get Hepatitis C from a mosquito or other insect bite?

Hepatitis C virus has not been shown to be transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects.

Can I donate blood, organs, or semen if I have Hepatitis C?

No, if you ever tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus (or Hepatitis B virus), experts recommend never donating blood, organs, or semen because this can spread the infection to the recipient.

hep c symptoms how long can you live with hep c

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of acute Hepatitis C?

Approximately 70%–80% of people with acute Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms.

Some people, however, can have mild to severe symptoms soon after being infected, including:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored bowel movements
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes)

How soon after exposure to Hepatitis C do symptoms appear?

If symptoms occur, the average time is 6–7 weeks after exposure, but this can range from 2 weeks to 6 months.

However, many people infected with the Hepatitis C virus do not develop symptoms.

hep c symptoms long term effects of hepatitis C

Can a person spread Hepatitis C without having symptoms?

Yes, even if a person with Hepatitis C has no symptoms, he or she can still spread the virus to others.

Is it possible to have Hepatitis C and not know it?

Yes, many people who are infected with the Hepatitis C virus do not know they are infected because they do not look or feel sick.

What are the symptoms of chronic Hepatitis C?

Most people with chronic Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms.

However, if a person has been infected for many years, his or her liver may be damaged.

In many cases, there are no symptoms of the disease until liver problems have developed.

In persons without symptoms, Hepatitis C is often detected during routine blood tests to measure liver function and liver enzyme (protein produced by the liver) level.

long term effects of hepatitis c

How serious is chronic Hepatitis C?

Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease.

It can result in long-term health problems:

  1. including liver damage,
  2. l iver failure,
  3. liver cancer, or
  4. even death.

It is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States.

Approximately 19,000 people die every year from Hepatitis C related liver disease.

What are the long-term effects of Hepatitis C?

Of every 100 people infected with the Hepatitis C virus, about

  • 75–85 people will develop chronic Hepatitis C virus infection; of those,
    • 60–70 people will go on to develop chronic liver disease
    • 5–20 people will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20–30 years
    • 1–5 people will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer

Hepatitis C Tests

Can a person have normal liver enzyme (e.g., ALT) results and still have Hepatitis C?

Yes. It is common for persons with chronic Hepatitis C to have a liver enzyme level that goes up and down, with periodic returns to normal or near normal.

Some infected persons have liver enzyme levels that are normal for over a year even though they have chronic liver disease.

If the liver enzyme level is normal, persons should have their enzyme level re-checked several times over a 6–12 month period.

If the liver enzyme level remains normal, the doctor may check it less frequently, such as once a year.

long term effects of hepatitis c

Who should get tested for Hepatitis C?

Talk to your doctor about being tested for Hepatitis C if any of the following are true:

  • born from 1945 through 1965
  • current or former injection drug user, even if you injected only one time or many years ago.
  • were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987.
  • received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992.
  • are on long-term hemodialysis treatment.
  • have abnormal liver tests or liver disease.
  • work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needlestick or other sharp object injury.
  • are infected with HIV.

If you are pregnant, should you be tested for Hepatitis C?

No, getting tested for Hepatitis C is not part of routine prenatal care.

However, if a pregnant woman has risk factors for Hepatitis C virus infection, she should speak with her doctor about getting tested.

hep c blood tests

What blood tests are used to test for Hepatitis C?

Several different blood tests are used to test for Hepatitis C.

A doctor may order just one or a combination of these tests.

Typically, a person will first get a screening test that will show whether he or she has developed antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus.

(An antibody is a substance found in the blood that the body produces in response to a virus.)

Having a positive antibody test means that a person was exposed to the virus at some time in his or her life.

If the antibody test is positive, a doctor will most likely order a second test to confirm whether the virus is still present in the person’s bloodstream.

hep c treatment

Treatment

Can Long term Hepatitis C be treated?

Yes, acute and chronic hepatitis C can be treated.

Acute infection can clear on its own without treatment in about 25% of people.

If acute hepatitis C is diagnosed, treatment does reduce the risk that acute hepatitis C will become a chronic infection.

Acute hepatitis C is treated with the same medications used to treat chronic Hepatitis C.

However, the optimal treatment and when it should be started remains uncertain.

Can chronic Hepatitis C be treated?

Yes. There are several medications available to treat chronic Hepatitis C, including new treatments that appear to be more effective and have fewer side effects than previous options.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a complete list of approved treatments for Hepatitis C.

long term effects of hepatitis c

Is it possible to get over Hepatitis C?

Yes, approximately 15%–25% of people who get Hepatitis C will clear the virus from their bodies without treatment and will not develop chronic infection.

Experts do not fully understand why this happens for some people.

What can a person with chronic Hepatitis C do to take care of his or her liver?

People with chronic Hepatitis C should be monitored regularly by an experienced doctor.

Patients need to understand the long term effects of hepatitis C right away.

They should avoid alcohol because it can cause additional liver damage.

They also should check with a health professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, as these can potentially damage the liver.

If liver damage is present, a person should check with his or her doctor about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.

hep c vaccine

Hep C Vaccination?

Is there a vaccine that can prevent Hepatitis C?

Not yet. Vaccines are available only for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.

Research into the development of a hep C vaccine is under way.

Hepatitis C and Employment

The HCV infected should not be excluded from work, school, play, child care, or other settings because they have Hepatitis C.

There is no evidence that people can get Hepatitis C from food handlers, teachers, or other service providers without blood-to-blood contact.

long term effects of hepatitis c

Hepatitis C and Co-infection with HIV

What is HIV and Hepatitis C virus co-infection?

HIV and Hepatitis C virus co-infection is when both diseases are present.

Co-infection is more common in persons who inject drugs.

In fact, 50%–90% of HIV-infected persons who use injection drugs are also infected with the Hepatitis C virus.

Summary of Hepatitis C Facts

  • Twenty-five percent of people with HIV also have HCV.
  • Two to 10 percent of people with HCV also have HBV.
  • HCV tends to progress faster in people with HIV.
  • HCV is one of the top causes of liver disease, liver transplants, and the leading cause of death from liver disease.
  • About 75 percent of adults with HCV are of the “baby boomer” generation.
  • Chronic liver disease, which is often due to HCV, is a leading cause of death for African Americans.
  • Rates of chronic HCV are higher for African Americans than for people of other ethnicity.
  • HCV is not transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or being in close proximity to someone with HCV.
  • HCV doesn’t pass through breast milk.

hep c treatment long term effects of hep c

How to Avoid Long Term Effects of Hepatitis C?

  1. screen for hep C
  2. get a HCV test
  3. if positive find the genotype
  4. get the treatement
  5. complete the treatment
  6. get retested
  7. get cured.

Want to talk to a health advocate about long term effects of hepatitis C?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.org or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Gilead Hep C Cure

gilead hep c cure

How Gilead Hep C Cure Can Help?

Liver disorders can be very fatal if they are not addressed.

Gilead hep C cure can help.

Take time to see what can be done so you can live a more happier and healthier life.

One of the largest organs in the human body, hep c treatment cost and certainly one of the most important, hep C treatment cost the liver performs over five hundred functions vital to survival and good health.

It stores vitamins, sugars and fats.

It builds, regulates and maintains necessary body chemicals, and it removes waste products from the blood.

The liver also breaks down harmful substances such as toxins.

At any given moment, thirteen percent of your blood supply is moving through this important organ.

 

 

The liver is a durable organ; it’s the only one in the human body that is capable of regenerating itself.

It can continue to function after three fourths of it has been destroyed.

It’s also well protected, nestled behind the lower right ribs.

However, certain disease and medical conditions can severely compromise the organ’s ability to perform its

essential duties.

 

Damage to the liver, from hepatitis, cirrhosis or cancer for example, can lead to life-threatening conditions.

For more information on Hepatitis C, including new treatments, visit Hep C Treatment Cost.

Note: the side effects of hepatitis C treatments are minimal, you can learn more here.

 

Symptoms of Liver Disorders:

Symptoms vary, depending on the actual disease.

Most people are familiar with infant jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes in newborns.

Bilirubin is a pigment created as the liver processes waste products, and is usually excreted.

Excess levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream cause infant jaundice.

While in the newborn the condition usually resolves itself without any need for generic Harvoni, jaundice in an adult indicates a serious medical problem.

Bilirubin: Excess bilirubin causes jaundice, a condition that can result from several different medical conditions.

Two possible tests are available.

Total bilirubin counts all bilirubin in the bloodstream, while direct bilirubin only counts the amount that has been processed by the liver.

Albumin: Albumin is the main protein produced by the liver. Low levels of albumin indicate that something is inhibiting the protein’s production.

GGT Test: GGT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) is an enzyme that plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids in the bile ducts, liver and kidneys.

AST, ALT and ALP Tests: AST and ALT are enzymes that are elevated by the organ damage found in hepatitis, for example.

Elevation of the ALP enzyme, which may also accompany hepatitis, suggests another type of organ damage causing blockage of bile flow as is seen in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Doctors use these enzyme values to aid in the diagnostic procedure.

 

Liver Disorder Terms You Should Know:

Your doctor may use the following terms to describe certain conditions.

Some of these terms are conditions in themselves, while others are complications of primary conditions.

All are serious and require medical intervention.

Without medical attention, the consequences can be fatal.

Ascites: the buildup of unnecessary fluid in the abdomen (the peritoneal cavity). It is often a symptom of cirrhosis.

Hepatic Encephalopathy: damage to the brain or nervous system caused by excess amounts of ammonia in the blood that result from liver disorders.

Symptoms can include dementia, confusion, severe mood changes and even coma.

Hepatomegaly: enlargement of the liver.

Hepatomegaly can occur as a result of heart failure, cancer, alcohol or infection.

In severe cases of hepatomegaly, the liver can easily be felt several inches below the rib cage.

Portal Hypertension: often a result of cirrhosis, portal hypertension occurs when blood flow into the liver, through the portal vein, is compromised.

As the blood flow is constricted, blood pressure in the vein rises.

Esophageal varices may form as a result: they are abnormally dilated veins in the esophagus that are at risk for life-threatening bleeding.

Most if not all liver disorders can be avoided.

First, if you do test positive for hepatitis C, get yourself treated right away.

It is very affordable and you will be cured of hepatitis C in about 84 days or 12 weeks.

Its worth it, your liver will thank you for it.

 


 

Want to talk to a health advocate about Gilead hep C cure?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.info or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Harvoni Cost in Mexico

harvoni cost in mexico

Harvoni cost in Mexico

Cost of Harvoni in Mexico is $48,000 that is $571.42 for each tablet for 84 days, 12 weeks treatment.

Its priced so high not only for Mexicans, but also for Americans and Canadians that would cross the border.

The sad part is many of these folks have insurance, but the insurance co pay for Harvoni is out of reach.

Yes, most people are paying anywhere between $9,600 and above.

However, if you are lucky, your insurer may have you only pay $5 to $15 out of pocket for the entire treatment.

That kind of price is welcoming…only if you get lucky.

With that said, you can still have lady luck on your side.

You can have Gilead licensed and authorized Harvoni delivered to your front door in 5 to 7 days.

Follow the simple steps below.

  1. Go to the Order Now page here.
  2.  Or give us a call at 858-952-1077
  3.  Or email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com

After you tell us which treatment was recommended for you by your healthcare professional, we’ll take care of the rest.

No Customs and No Lost Packages Ever! You will Get Your Treatment.

Once you place the order and make payment. We first get a doctor’s prescription in your name.

Our pharmacy staff packs your medicine and places all necessary documents with a thank you letter and our best wishes.

After you completed your treatment your liver will be thanking you for it.

Cost of Harvoni, Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) or Epclusa is a fraction of the price compared to anywhere else.

Read about cost of Harvoni in Canada.

Then it will be handed over to Indian Government Customs Official to verify the following:

  1. Pharmaceutical license and address
  2. Export license
  3. Your invoice
  4. Physician Name & License
  5. Pharmacist Name & License

Will there be Any Problems?

We cover all the bases to make sure there are no hiccups throughout the entire process.

There are several companies and a government agency involved to make sure you get your hepatitis C treatment.

How long before I see the tracking number become active?

Please note it takes atleast 24 hours, sometimes longer, after it goes through customs, for the tracking number to be active.

Even then, the Indian tracking system is not as good as our United States Postal Service (USPS), no its not a joke.

You will get your package usually within 5 to 7 days. Sometimes sooner, but we don’t want to tell you that because there maybe delays.

Harvoni cost in Mexico
Harvoni cost in Mexico

Will my package be in Customs or get Lost?

We have shipped over 10,000’s of packages around the globe using DHL, FedEx and EMS.

Rest assure, you will get your Harvoni.

If for some reason the package does not get to you, we will ship out another package free of cost.

We 100% guarantee delivery.

Before you know it, you will get your treatment soon and start the healing process.

Don’t forget to let us know that you have cleared the hepatitis C virus after you finish your treatment.

You can also leave a review here and let us know how we did.


Want to talk to a health advocate about Harvoni cost in Mexico?

Sunny Pharma USA:

Address: 6251 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, California, USA 92037

Phone: 858-952-1077

Email us at hcvmeds@gmail.com, info@sunnypharma.info or just fill the form or click on the bubble below and we’ll reply back right away.

Sunny Pharma India

No 1, 3rd G Main, Old Nilgiris Road Rammaiah Layout, 3rd E-F Cross Rd, Ramaiah Layout, Kacharakanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084