Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver and causes inflammation, leading to liver damage. It is a serious condition that can result in liver scarring, liver failure, and even liver cancer.

It is estimated that around 71 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C, with a majority of people not even aware that they have it. It is a deadly disease if left untreated. However, there is a revolutionary cure available that can cure hepatitis C in just 6 weeks.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that primarily affects the liver.

The virus spreads through contact with contaminated blood, most commonly from sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs, and from unsafe medical practices in developing countries.

Some of the common symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice).

However, in most cases, people with hepatitis C do not have any symptoms for several years until the damage to the liver is severe. That’s why hepatitis C is called the “silent killer.”.

Current Treatment for Hepatitis C

Until recently, treatment for hepatitis C involved a combination of drugs, such as interferon and ribavirin. However, these drugs are not only expensive but also have many side effects, including anemia, depression, and flu-like symptoms.

Moreover, it takes a long time for these drugs to clear the virus, and there is no guarantee of success.

Sovaldi and Harvoni: The Revolutionary Cure

Sovaldi and Harvoni are new drugs that have been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of hepatitis C. These drugs have a much higher cure rate than the traditional treatment options and have far fewer side effects.

Moreover, these drugs are taken orally, making them much more convenient than the traditional treatment that involves injections.

Sovaldi contains the active ingredient sofosbuvir and is used to treat hepatitis C genotype 1, 2, 3, and 4. Harvoni contains a combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir and is used to treat hepatitis C genotype 1.

Both drugs work by stopping the hepatitis C virus from replicating in the liver cells, thereby reducing the viral load in the body.

How Sovaldi and Harvoni Work?

The hepatitis C virus replicates itself by using an enzyme called RNA polymerase to make copies of its genetic material. Sovaldi and Harvoni work by blocking this enzyme, thus preventing the virus from making new copies of itself.

This, in turn, reduces the number of viruses in the body and gives the immune system a chance to clear the virus.

Clinical Trials of Sovaldi and Harvoni

Clinical trials have shown that Sovaldi has a cure rate of 90 to 95 percent, and patients can complete treatment in just 12 weeks. Harvoni has an even higher cure rate of up to 99 percent and can cure hepatitis C in just 8 to 12 weeks.

These are remarkable results, considering that the previous treatment options had a success rate of just 50 to 70 percent.

Side Effects of Sovaldi and Harvoni

Like any other medication, Sovaldi and Harvoni can cause side effects, but these are usually mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

Some patients may experience more severe side effects, such as anemia and depression, but these are rare.

Cost of Sovaldi and Harvoni

Sovaldi and Harvoni are expensive drugs, and the cost has been a major concern for patients and insurance companies. A 12-week course of Sovaldi cost around $84,000 in the US when it was first released.

Harvoni was even more expensive, costing around $94,000 for a 12-week course.

However, the good news is that the cost of these drugs has come down significantly in recent years, making them accessible to more people. In addition, many insurance companies and governments now cover the cost of these drugs for their members.

Conclusion

Hepatitis C is a deadly disease, but there is hope. Sovaldi and Harvoni are two drugs that can cure hepatitis C in just 6 to 12 weeks with a success rate of up to 99 percent.

These drugs have fewer side effects than traditional treatment and can be taken orally. However, the cost of these drugs is still a concern and needs to be addressed to make them more accessible to everyone.