Hepatitis C
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis c virus which is transmitted through blood to blood contact. If left untreated, it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The good news is, there is a cure.
Treatment and cure
If the hepatitis C virus is present in your blood, and you have no other complications, your GP will prescribe a new direct-acting antiviral treatment that is highly effective and has little to no side-effects.
The new treatment will involve taking 1-3 tablets a day up to 12 weeks. For a small number of people, treatment may last longer. Treatment is highly effective with a cure rate of 97 per cent.
Speak to your local GP about starting the new hepatitis C treatment.
If you would like more information or support, please contact Hepatitis Queensland who assist all Queenslanders living with, or at risk of hepatitis C on 1800 437 222 or email.
Cost of treatment
The hepatitis C treatments are listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If you hold a concession card your co-payment will be $6.50 per month and for full paying individuals, you will pay $40.30 per month as of January 2019.
Your GP will prescribe a treatment suitable for your needs which will usually require 1 or 2 repeat prescriptions.
Information for medical practitioners
All GPs are eligible to prescribe the new forms of direct-acting antiviral therapies under PBS General Schedule prescriptions (S85). All treatment and referral information for GPs in Brisbane South is available on SpotOnHealth HealthPathways.
If you have patients with hepatitis C and you do not wish to treat them independently you can also find information about shared care options with local specialists, or local experienced GPs using the new GP to GP referrals page coming soon.
Hepatitis Queensland is currently delivering an intensive GP engagement project that is supporting Brisbane South GPs to test, treat and manage patients with hepatitis C. If you are a GP who would like to join the project and or independently prescribe hepatitis C treatments, please email info@hepqld.asn.au or call 07 3846 0020.