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Hepatitis C Overview Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic Hepatitis C is one of the leading known causes of liver disease and is the most common blood borne infection in the U.S. It is the most common cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer as well as the most common reason for a liver transplant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 3.2 million people believed to be infected with HCV in the U.S. Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily by direct contact with human blood and blood products. Symptoms of both acute and chronic HCV are easily confused with less serious illness, such as the flu. You can have HCV for many years before you even know you have the virus. If you have Chronic Hepatitis C and do not get medical treatment, you increase the risk of developing serious and life-threatening liver problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Even though there is no cure for this disease, appropriate management of hepatitis C therapy can significantly reduce the presence of the virus in the blood to an undetectable level in many patients. In May 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved HCV Protease Inhibitors INCIVEK™ (telaprevir) tablets and VICTRELIS™ (boceprevir) capsules for a broad group of people with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C with compensated liver disease (some level of damage to the liver but the liver still functions), including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). These drugs were approved for people who are new to treatment (commonly referred to as Naïve), and for people who were treated previously (referred to as Relapsers, Partial Responders and Null Responders) but did not achieve SVR (Sustained Viral Response) or viral cure. Both of the newly approved drugs are designed to be taken in combination with traditional treatments of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin. With triple therapy, certain eligible patients (Treatment-Naïve and Treatment-Experienced), may be able to complete the new treatment with significantly higher rates of SVR rate and potentially shorter duration of time (almost in half the time), when compared to taking pegylated-interferon and ribavirin alone. All other patients will receive a total of 48 weeks of treatment. Through Axium's HEPVisions Program, we are able to provide Hepatitis C patients with the necessary coordination of care vital to achieving successful treatment outcomes. By utilizing Axium's expert patient care team comprised of Pharmacists, Nurses, Reimbursement Specialists and dedicated Patient Care Coordinators, Axium is able to offer each and every patient high-quality, personalized care, ongoing patient evaluation and clinical support including frequent patient follow-up and continual education about their Hepatitis C treatment. Helpful Links
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