Hepatitis C Now Kills More Americans Than HIV

Middle-aged most often affected, and many are unaware they have been infected, CDC says

February 20, 2012 RSS Feed Print

The treatment involves use of two drugs called protease inhibitors -- boceprevir (brand name Victrelis) and telaprevir (brand name Incivek) -- in addition to interferon and an antiviral.

While the new treatment is expensive and may cause side effects, it could reduce patients' risks for cancer and liver transplants, thereby avoiding those costly events and possibly helping patients live longer, better lives, the researchers pointed out in a journal news release.

Yet another study in the journal recommends one-time screening of all those born between 1945 and 1965, instead of waiting until symptoms appear.

More information

For more information on hepatitis, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.