AUSTRALIA has the potential to eradicate hepatitis C in the next 10--15 years, according to Associate Professor Simone Strasser, gastroenterologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.
Writing in the latest edition of Australian Prescriber, Strasser says that the new oral antiviral treatments for hepatitis C are so effective and well tolerated that 95% of patients will be cured with a short course of treatment.
With the PBS availability and a wide prescriber base that includes GPs, new cases will become rare - in turn reducing the incidence of liver disease, liver cancer and and the need for liver transplantation.
It is estimated that 82% of the 227,000 people living with hepatitis C in Australia have been diagnosed - but many still are not aware of the implications, Strasser warns - see nps.org.au/australian-prescriber.
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