Muhammad Zahid Ayubi
The liver is the second largest organ in our body and the largest organ in the body’s interior, which performs many important functions for the body. The biggest threat to it is hepatitis B and C. Every possible precaution should be taken to prevent them, and if, God forbid, one of them is contracted, then instead of panicking, wasting time here and there, or looking for an easy solution or shortcut, one should consult experts in this field.
Nowadays, due to advances in treatment, the chances of recovery have increased greatly. Traditionally, hepatitis C is treated with interferon injections and other antiviral drugs, but there are several problems with this.
Now, a relatively inexpensive drug called Sovaldi is available as an alternative, which has proven to be a surprising breakthrough in its treatment.
The Drug Regulatory Authority has allowed its manufacture and sale, which is great news for patients with hepatitis B and C. According to reports, a pack of this medicine, which contains 28 tablets, is being sold for Rs 2 million in the US, while in Egypt this medicine is available for Rs 2.1 million per pack. In Pakistan, its price has been set at Rs 55,000 per pack, which has been reduced by another 40 percent, after which it is available for Rs 32,300.
Hepatitis C is not caused by contaminated water or food, but by getting vaccinated with a contaminated syringe, getting a drip or blood transfusion, getting tattoos or piercings with such needles, shaving with a contaminated razor or blade, and getting dental treatment with such tools. It is very important to avoid them. The US Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a new drug to treat hepatitis C.
This medicine is for protection against chronic hepatitis virus and is proving to be very useful. The name of this medicine is “Harvoni”. It also has side effects, but they are few.
“Harvoni” is available in the form of tablets. Two other medicines have also been added to it. The name of the first medicine is (Sofosbuvir), whose trade name is “Sovaldi” and it has been available in the market since 2003.
The second medicine is called (Ledipasvir). Both these medicines help in eliminating the hepatitis C virus.
If a family member gets hepatitis, instead of panicking, be courageous and instead of wasting time, contact a specialist in this field and get him treated. Generally, it has been seen that when the disease is in the initial stage, the patient’s family often avoids treatment and is worried about saving money. When the disease becomes severe, then money flows like water. If the disease is diagnosed at the beginning, time is saved, treatment becomes easier and money is saved.
