Adverse effects of drugs in the treatment of viral hepatitis.
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) affect approximately 400-500 million individuals worldwide. Both infections are characterised by a significant morbidity and mortality: chronic hepatitis B and C may evolve towards the development of cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. During the last two decades, several new antivirals have been developed that are active against HBV and HCV, allowing sustained cure rates in a significant proportion of patients. All these drugs have side effects, which may represent a major barrier to achieve cure in many patients in need. I will review the most common adverse events reported during the therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C, with some recommendations for proper management.
Divisions of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. francesco.negro@hcuge.ch
Francesco
F
Negro
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012254:Ribavirin