Latest news with #hepatitisC
Health Line
14 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
The Progression of Hepatitis C: What Are the Stages?
Key takeaways Every case of hepatitis C begins as an acute infection. Infections that last more than 6 months are considered chronic. Many people with hepatitis C end up with chronic hepatitis C that can last a lifetime. The consequences of long-term infection include liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. Early detection and treatment are key for stopping the progression of hepatitis C and avoiding major complications. Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that leads to liver inflammation. Symptoms can be mild for many years, even while liver damage is taking place. Many people with hepatitis C end up with chronic hepatitis C that can last a lifetime. The consequences of long-term infection include liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. Early detection and treatment are key for stopping the progression of hepatitis C and avoiding major complications. How HCV is transmitted HCV is a bloodborne pathogen. That means the virus is transmitted through contact with blood that contains HCV. To reduce your risk of exposure: Avoid sharing razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and other personal hygiene items. Avoid sharing needles, syringes, and other sharps. Disinfect wounds and surfaces touched by blood and other bodily fluids as soon as possible. Patronize tattoo and body piercing studios that practice proper sterilization practices. HCV usually isn't transmitted through sexual contact, but it's possible. Using condoms, gloves, and other barrier methods during sexual activity can help reduce your risk. Birthing parents with HCV can also transmit the virus during childbirth, but not through nursing. Early warning signs In most cases, there are no early warning signs. Most people are symptom-free and remain unaware of the infection. Others experience mild symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of appetite, which tend to resolve independently. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 30% of people clear the infection within 6 months of exposure without medical intervention. Acute hepatitis C The acute phase of hepatitis C is the first 6 months after contracting HCV. Early symptoms may include: fever fatigue loss of appetite nausea and vomiting In most cases, symptoms clear up within a few weeks. If your immune system doesn't fight the infection on its own, it enters the chronic phase. Given the vague nature of the symptoms, hepatitis C may go unnoticed for years. It's often discovered during a blood test that's being done for other reasons. Chronic hepatitis C Approximately 70% of people will go on to develop chronic hepatitis C. However, even in the chronic phase, it may take years for symptoms to show. The progression begins with inflammation of the liver, followed by the death of liver cells. This causes scarring and hardening of liver tissue. Roughly 15–30% of people with chronic hepatitis C go on to develop cirrhosis of the liver within 20 years. Cirrhosis of the liver When permanent scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells, and your liver loses the ability to function, it's called cirrhosis. In this condition, your liver can no longer heal itself. This can cause fluid to build up in your abdomen and the veins in your esophagus to bleed. When the liver fails to filter toxins, they can build up in your bloodstream and impair brain function. Cirrhosis of the liver can sometimes develop into liver cancer. This risk is greater in people who drink excess alcohol. Treatment of cirrhosis depends on the progression of the condition. End-stage hepatitis C Chronic hepatitis C can cause serious long-term health consequences when it leads to liver scarring. End-stage hepatitis C occurs when the liver is severely damaged and can no longer function properly. Symptoms may include: fatigue nausea and vomiting loss of appetite abdominal swelling yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) muddled thinking People with cirrhosis may also experience bleeding in the esophagus, as well as brain and nervous system damage. A liver transplant is the only treatment for end-stage liver disease. Factors that affect the progression Because alcohol is processed in the liver, consumption of excess alcohol can hasten liver damage, so it's important not to drink it. Damage also progresses faster in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV. People who also have hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Males who have cirrhosis tend to experience faster disease progression than females. People over 40 with cirrhosis also experience faster disease progression than younger people. If you suspect that you have hepatitis C, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to prevent and treat any serious complications or progression. Frequently asked questions What is the life expectancy of a person with hepatitis C? Many people live for years after receiving a hepatitis C diagnosis. Your outlook ultimately depends on the stage at diagnosis, whether liver damage has occurred, and your overall health. How many people experience long-term complications of hepatitis C? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 5–25 out of every 100 people who have hepatitis C develop cirrhosis within 10–20 years. People who develop cirrhosis have a 3–6% annual risk of hepatic decompensation or 'decompensated' cirrhosis. This occurs when your liver function decreases and may be a sign of end-stage hepatitis C. People who develop cirrhosis also have a 1–4% annual risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common type of primary liver cancer. What are the chances of dying from hepatitis C? Hepatitis C alone typically isn't fatal, but complications from untreated or advanced hepatitis C can be. People who develop decompensated cirrhosis, for example, have a 15–20% risk of death within a year of diagnosis. If you have questions about your outlook, talk with your healthcare professional. They're the only person with direct insight into your diagnosis and medical history.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA approves label expansion of AbbVie hepatitis C therapy
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the label expansion of AbbVie's Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) for treating adults and paediatric patients three years and older with acute or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The extended indication for this oral pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy involves those who have the infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. The therapy is the first and only DAA treatment approved for this patient group. HCV is a blood-borne infectious disease that can lead to serious liver complications. The agency's approval is based on data from a Phase III, single-arm, prospective multicentre trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of an eight-week treatment of the therapy in adults with acute HCV infection. Findings from the trial demonstrated that the therapy is a highly efficacious treatment option. AbbVie research and development executive vice-president and chief scientific officer Roopal Thakkar stated: "Mavyret has treated more than one million patients with HCV, but we recognise that a significant need remains for patients with acute infection. "The label expansion for Mavyret, coupled with the implementation of 'test and treat' models of care, serves as a tool to support the public health community in treating more patients and bringing us closer to achieving the global 2030 elimination goal." Mavyret had also secured a breakthrough therapy designation from the US regulator for acute HCV. This status expedites the development and review of medicines intended to treat serious conditions when preliminary clinical evidence suggests substantial improvement over current therapies. In May 2025, AbbVie signed a partnership and licensing agreement with US-based ADARx Pharmaceuticals, committing $335m upfront to access its small interfering RNA platform. "FDA approves label expansion of AbbVie hepatitis C therapy" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA Expands AbbVie's Mavyret Label To Include Pediatric Patients With Hepatitis C Infection
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a label expansion for AbbVie Inc's (NYSE:ABBV) Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir), an oral pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. It is now approved for adults and pediatric patients three years and older with acute or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. Glecaprevir, one of the two DAAs in Mavyret, was Discovered by Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ:ENTA) and developed and commercialized by this approval, Mavyret is the first and only DAA therapy approved to treat patients with acute HCV in eight weeks with a 96% cure rate. HCV is a highly infectious blood-borne disease affecting the liver. The United States is expected to incur around $120 billion in total medical costs over the next 10 years through 2035 linked to chronic liver disease and other related conditions caused by untreated HCV. Data from the Phase 3, multicenter, single-arm prospective study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Mavyret eight-week treatment in adults with acute HCV infection supported the label expansion. The study results showed Mavyret to be a highly efficacious treatment for people with acute HCV. The majority of the adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity. Fatigue, asthenia, headache, and diarrhea were the most common adverse events. In 2017, the FDA approved Mavyret to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C virus (hep C) genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infections without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. In 2019, the FDA approved Mavyret to shorten the once-daily treatment duration from 12 to 8 weeks in treatment-naïve, compensated cirrhotic, chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients across all genotypes (GT1-6). Price Action: ABBV stock is trading higher by 1.54% to $192.43 at last check Wednesday. Read Next:Photo by Tada Images via Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article FDA Expands AbbVie's Mavyret Label To Include Pediatric Patients With Hepatitis C Infection originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lancs woman welcomes NHS psychological support system for infected blood victims
Thousands of people impacted by the infected blood scandal in England will be able to self refer to a bespoke psychological support NHS service, officials have announced. Now, a Lancashire woman has welcomed the launch of the new support service. Nicola Leahey was infected with hepatitis C following blood transfusions in 1975 and/or 1980 and has described the launch of the NHS's Infected Blood Psychological Service as "much-needed." Ms Leahey, from Chorley, was part of an advisory group that helped to develop the service, which began a phased rollout in September. Talking therapies, peer support, and psychosocial support will be offered as part of the service to people impacted by the infected blood scandal, which saw more than 30,000 people in the UK infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. More than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors are living with lifelong health implications, according to a spokesperson. The new service is open to victims as well as bereaved partners, parents, children, and extended families. People can self-refer by phone or can be referred to the service by their GP. Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said: "The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country, and the NHS is determined to ensure that anyone infected or affected can receive evidence-based support and treatment. "It has been so important that the Infected Blood Psychological Service has been co-designed with members of the infected blood community to ensure the best and most personalised care possible, and we are very grateful to all our partners who have helped establish these vital new services." Ms Leahey said: "After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished - I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed. "So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we've been subjected to. "I'm thrilled that this much-needed service is now operational." READ MORE: Birds Fish and Chip Shop in Burnley among our top 10 Hundreds attend funeral of hospital imam who died on Eid day Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director for secondary care at NHS England, added: "Following the recommendations of the inquiry, this new service represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support, and we are pleased that specialist clinics are now open in all areas of England. "This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided." More information is available at
Leader Live
10-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Psychological support system opens to infected blood victims
The nationwide service began a phased rollout in September, and is now open to people infected and affected across the country. The Infected Blood Psychological Service will include talking therapies; peer support and psychosocial support, NHS England said. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. The new service is open to victims of the scandal as well as bereaved partners, parents, children and their extended families. People can self refer by phone or can be referred to the service by their GP. Officials said that a specialist therapist will help create tailored mental health plans for those in need of support. The Infected Blood Inquiry Report is now published on the Inquiry website. Access the Report here: — Infected Blood Inquiry (@bloodinquiry) May 20, 2024 Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said: 'The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country and the NHS is determined to ensure that anyone infected or affected can receive evidence-based support and treatment. 'It has been so important that the Infected Blood Psychological Service has been co-designed with members of the infected blood community to ensure the best and most personalised care possible, and we are very grateful to all our partners who have helped establish these vital new services.' Nicola Leahey, from Lancashire, was infected with Hepatitis C following blood transfusions in 1975 and/or 1980, and was part of the expert advisory group to the new service. 'After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished, I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed,' she said. 'So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we've been subjected to. 'I'm thrilled that this much-needed service is now operational for both those infected and affected members of the infected blood community across England.' Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director for secondary care at NHS England, added: 'Following the recommendations of the Inquiry, this new service represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support, and we are pleased that specialist clinics are now open in all areas of England. 'This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided.'
