Review to investigate possible hepatitis B re-activation
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has started a review of medicines known as direct-acting antivirals used for treating chronic (long-term) hepatitis C (an infectious disease that affects the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus).
Direct-acting antivirals (Daklinza, Exviera, Harvoni, Olysio, Sovaldi and Viekirax) are important medicines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and can be used without interferons, which are less well tolerated. Until recently, interferons were part of treatment regimens for hepatitis C. Interferons are known to act against both hepatitis B and C viruses, which may be present at the same time in some patients.
The review follows cases of hepatitis B re-activation in patients who have been infected with hepatitis B and C viruses, and who were treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C. Hepatitis B re-activation refers to a return of active infection in a patient whose hepatitis B infection had been inactive.
EMA will now assess the extent of hepatitis B re-activation in patients treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C and evaluate whether any measures are needed to optimise the treatment.
While the review is ongoing, patients should speak to their doctor or pharmacist if they have any questions or concerns.
More information on this is included in the hyperlink.
