Factsheet - Hepatitis C Treatments (Page 5 of 5) in pdf

Defining cure

“Cure” or “SVR” (Sustained Virological Response) means that someone has cleared hepatitis C virus

from their body. If someone has a PCR viral detection test which shows undetectable (no virus) at 12

weeks after treatment finished they are cured.

If hepatitis C has caused significant liver damage, clearing the virus (cure) might not mean that someone

is healthy again all of a sudden. In particular, if someone has cirrhosis, they still need specialist care and

monitoring. People with cirrhosis still have a potential risk of developing liver cancer, even after being

cured of hepatitis C.

People should talk to their treating doctor about what “cure” should mean for them.

If treatment is not successful

In a very small number of cases, treatment does not cure hepatitis C. This can happen for many different

reasons including genetics, the virus mutating, or a person missing some pills during treatment. It is

important to remember:

•

There is no limit on how many times a patient can access these treatments.

•

There is no evidence to suggest that if treatment didn’t work the first time, it’s never going to

work.

•

Liver specialists will do everything they can to ensure patients are cured of hep C; “no one will be

left behind” is the current treatment approach.

In these cases, a person should be referred to a liver specialist who will advise on the best treatment for

each individual person. Sometimes this might involve the same treatment with added Ibavyr (ribavirin) or

it might be another combination altogether.

Treatment inside NSW jails

People with hep C in NSW jails will be assessed and treatment delivered under Justice Health and

Forensic Mental Health Network’s (JH&FMHN) Nurse-Led Model of Care. There are 31 JH&FMHN

Health Centres across NSW and most will be able to initiate and manage the new hep C treatments. To

talk about accessing treatment, prisoners should first talk to the Health Centre Nurse.

For more information about hep C including treatment, prisoners can call the Hepatitis Infoline by dialling

3 on their Common Calls list. This is a free service.

Children and treatment

The PBS listing of direct acting antivirals is for Australian adults only. Children with hepatitis C should be

seen and assessed by a paediatrician experienced in viral hepatitis. To find out more about monitoring

and treating hepatitis C in children, contact the gastroenterology unit at The Children’s Hospital at

Westmead (02 9845 3999).

To talk about anything in this factsheet, in NSW phone the Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 803 990 or go to

This factsheet was developed by Hepatitis NSW. It was reviewed by the Hepatitis NSW Medical and

Research Advisory Panel with special input from Prof Gregory Dore, A/Prof Simone Strasser and Prof

Jacob George.

Last updated 1 August 2017

Factsheet - Hepatitis C Treatments Page 5