What Would You Recommend For Someone Suffering With Hepatitis-C Having Insufficient Resources?

Posted on Tue, 11 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 Answered on

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : SINCE THE NEW DRUG FOR HEP-C IS SO EXPENSIVE, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR SOMEONE WHO IS INFLICTED WITH THE DISEASE AND HAS INSUFFICIENT RESOURCES? ARE THERE CLINICAL TRIALS AVAILABLE ? WOULD IT HELP TO SEEK TREATMENT IN ANOTHER COUNTRY? THIS PERSON HAS MEDICARE AND HAS WORKED AS A NURSE FOR MANY YEARS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT HEP-C WAS CONTACTED IN THE CLINICAL SETTING VIA A NEEDLE STICK.( BUT NOT REPORTED.) SHE HAS BEEN RETIRED NOW FOR FIVE YEARS.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Medicare can cover drugs for Hep.C.... Detailed Answer: Hi, There are 2 main treatment therapy for hep.C: - peginterferon, ribavirin - telaprevir They are all high-cost drugs; however, they are necessary to be used. With regards to Medicare coverage, to my knowledge, all these drugs can be covered by Medicare. You can contact the company to understand how. As the patient has been a nurse for many years, it is possible for hep.C to be transmitted through accidental needle stick while working although not reported. Hope it was of help! Dr.Klerida Feel free to ask me other questions you might have!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D