Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
07/26/2012
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
Two new drugs against hepatitis C, telaprevir and boceprevir, will be included in the Unified Health System (SUS). According to the Ministry of Health, the drugs (protease inhibitors) are considered more modern and effective and should benefit approximately 5500 patients with cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis.
The telaprevir and boceprevir be taken orally for a period of 48 weeks. Together, the drugs have an efficacy rate of 80% - double the success obtained with the conventional strategy used today, which lasts 48-72 weeks.
The Health Minister, Alexandre Padilha, said that hepatitis is a silent disease and that, because of the absence of symptoms, the diagnosis is delayed in most cases. He said the folder did extensive discussions with experts and social movements before the inclusion of the two drugs in the SUS.
"I have no doubt that we are taking a very decisive step for the treatment of hepatitis," he said. "We are allowing for a number of Brazilians attended by SUS, the opportunity to receive what is best in relation to treatment for viral hepatitis," he added.
Once the incorporation of drugs is published in the Official Gazette, the public will have 180 days to start distribution to patients. The forecast is that the remedies available in the SUS in early 2013.
Data from the ministry indicate that about 1.5 million Brazilians infected with hepatitis C virus, responsible for 70% of chronic hepatitis, 40% of cases of cirrhosis and 60% of primary liver cancers. Of infection to the stage of liver cirrhosis, the disease may go unnoticed for 30 years.
Source: The Day
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.