Making it happen: managed care considerations in vanquishing hepatitis C.
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an area of medical and economic concern. Studies show a substantial and increasing use of healthcare resources by patients with this disease. However, analysis of available data regarding virologic efficacy, impact on outcomes, and cost-effectiveness in chronic HCV infection appear to justify the initial costs for antiviral treatment, considering the future cost savings generated by prevention of liver disease. To further demonstrate cost-effectiveness, enhanced methods for identifying and treating patients are needed. Greater clinician awareness of available guidelines, patient education, close monitoring of antiviral therapy, emphasis on adherence to therapy, and management of adverse effects are recommended to ensure the best possible care for patients and to maximize outcomes.
McHutchison
John G
JG
Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 17969, Durham, NC 27715, USA. mchut001@mc.duke.edu
Bacon
Bruce R
BR
Owens
Glenda S
GS
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b