Supporting patients
Hepatitis C treatment programme
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the blood-borne hepatitis C virus. Over time if untreated, it can become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in the drug treatment of this condition offer a potential cure for patients.
The National HCV Treatment Programme (NHCVTP) Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) and the Programme Advisory Group recommends that all patient with active Hepatitis C infection should be offered treatment. Hepatitis C can be treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAA) tables for a period of time that varies from eight to 12 weeks. Patients can avail of this treatment from pharmacies registered for the provision of the National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme.
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HSE resources available:
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IPU resources
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Drugs.ie
Drugs.ie Treating Hep C in the community ‘Management of Hep C in the community – one man’s journey’ by Dr Shay Keating. This webinar is available at www.drugs.ie http://www.drugs.ie/multimedia/video/hepatitis_c_conference_dr_shay_keating (6 May 2021 7.30-8.30)
Dr. Shay Keating is an associate specialist in Genitourinary Medicine at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin. He is also a Medical Officer at the National Drug Treatment Centre, where he treats those infected with Hepatitis C in liaison with the infectious diseases department in St. James’s Hospital. Dr. Keating’s research interests include the community management of Hepatitis C in the intravenous drug-using cohort.
