The Revolution of Hepatitis C Treatments: Review for Nurse Practitioners

• Revolution of Hepatitis C treatment from interferon based regimens to all oral interferon free regimens.
• Review of pivotal clinical trial data for new Direct Acting Antiviral Regimens for HCV with SVR rates >90%.
• Implications for the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection has a widespread presence in the world’s population. Because of its potential for liver decompensation and secondary manifestations, hepatitis C virus has been the subject of many clinical trials over the past 20 years. This article will delineate the results of these various studies. The interferon-free regimens with combinations of all oral antiviral combinations will provide improved tolerability and efficacy with sustained viral response rates greater than 90%. The outcomes and the commonly accepted methodologies for treatment, according to patient requirements, will be provided for the primary care nurse practitioner.