NEW DRUGS FOR HEPATITIS C: CHARACTERIZATION OF USERS AND THERAPEUTIC RESULTS

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, more than 170 million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Direct-acting antiviral drugs have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C. Assessing the profile of these new treatments can provide information regarding their effectiveness. The present study aimed to characterize the clinical profile and describe the epidemiological and demographic aspects of HCV carriers treated with sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, simeprevir, and ribavirin, assisted by the  Supplementary Health Care Plan of the State of Bahia (PLANSERV), in 2015 and 2016. The design of this study was observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive, with an analysis of secondary data obtained through the PLANSERV database. The epidemiological profile was in line with other works in the literature, except for the predominance of females (58%) aged 60 years and over. The clinical profile showed positive therapeutic results with the new drugs. Most patients completed treatment (64%), even with a degree of advanced fibrosis, within 12 weeks and with a low rate of adverse reactions. In general, this study indicated that the treatment was well tolerated among patients with hepatitis C, strengthening the safety of using these drugs and the need for ways to expand access to therapy.