What has NICE said?

Elbasvir–grazoprevir (Zepatier) is recommended as a possible treatment for adults with some types (called genotypes) of chronic hepatitis C. It is sometimes taken with ribavirin. See table 1.

Table 1 Elbasvir–grazoprevir with or without ribavirin for adults with chronic hepatitis C

Type of hepatitis C

Treatment recommended by NICE

Length of treatment

1a

Elbasvir–grazoprevir

12 weeks.

Elbasvir–grazoprevir and ribavirin

16 weeks may be considered if, at the start of treatment, the amount of virus in the blood is high or if the virus might affect how well elbasvir works.

1b

Elbasvir–grazoprevir

12 weeks.

4

Elbasvir–grazoprevir

12 weeks.

Elbasvir–grazoprevir and ribavirin

16 weeks may be considered if, at the start of treatment, the amount of virus in the blood is high.

What does this mean for me?

If you have genotype 1 or 4 chronic hepatitis C, and your healthcare team thinks that elbasvir–grazoprevir is the right treatment, you should be able to have it on the NHS.

Elbasvir–grazoprevir should be available on the NHS within 3 months.

The condition and the treatment

Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus. Some people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus get rid of it quickly without treatment but most people develop a long-lasting infection; this is called chronic hepatitis C. People who have chronic hepatitis C may feel well for many years, but the virus causes damage to their liver later and can make them feel ill.

Elbasvir–grazoprevir is a tablet that contains 2 drugs (elbasvir and grazoprevir), and is used to treat genotypes 1 and 4 of the hepatitis C virus. It is sometimes taken with another drug, called ribavirin, and can get rid of the virus in people who have never had treatment or who had treatment before that didn't get rid of the virus.

NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2122-5

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