– The cost of hepatitis C treatment varies according on the type of medicine used. However, the price range for an 8- to 12-week course is $54,000 to $95,000 (or higher). A 12-week prescription of Zepatier, for instance, can cost up to $54,600, while a 12-week course of Harvoni can cost up to $94,500.
How many individuals have Hepc?
Key details –
- The hepatitis C virus causes liver inflammation known as hepatitis C.
- The virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, which can range in severity from a minor disease to a severe, lifelong condition, such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.
- The hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus, and the majority of infections result from exposure to blood through hazardous injection practices, unsafe health care, unscreened blood transfusions, injectable drug usage, and sexual behaviors that result in blood exposure.
- An estimated 58 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and around 1.5 million new infections occur year. An estimated 3,2 million children and adolescents have chronic hepatitis C infection.
- WHO estimates that around 290 000 individuals died from hepatitis C in 2019, with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma being the leading causes of death (primary liver cancer).
- More than 95% of people with hepatitis C infection may be cured with antiviral medications, but access to testing and treatment is limited.
- There is presently no viable hepatitis C vaccination.
How long can someone with hepatitis C go undiagnosed?
Hepatitis C is a liver ailment caused by a virus. Multiple years of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can cause inflammation of the liver. However, it is possible to live for years with HCV without being aware of it. Usually, by the time symptoms appear, liver damage has already occurred, which might alter therapy and prognosis.
The two primary forms of HCV are acute and chronic.75–85 percent of acute conditions become chronic. The immune system clears up the majority of other illnesses. The virus also exists in several genotypes, or varieties. These viral strains have developed over many years. Blood tests or the onset of liver damage symptoms are the most common ways for a person to find if they have HCV.
When a person has had chronic HCV for many years, liver damage symptoms generally manifest. HCV must be treated chronically to prevent liver damage and other consequences. A person’s overall prognosis and life expectancy may be influenced by liver damage and scarring.