Zepatier: Huge leaps forward, for a price.
Zepatier is a new Hepatitis C treatment drug, a combination of Elbasvir and Grazoprevir, and was approved by the FDA on January 28th, 2016. It can be used with or without Ribavirin, treats both HCV genotypes 1 & 4 in adults, while boasting a nearly 100% success rate in curing the virus (genotype 1 being 94-97%, genotype 4 being 97-100%). It comes in pill form and is taken orally, once a day, for 12-16 weeks. Along with the simple and short term nature of the treatment, are a few common mild side effects, such as tiredness, headaches, and nausea. Although, when taken with Ribavirin, it may induce anemia. However it should be known that anyone who has previously had Hepatitis B, is at risk of it being reactivated taking Zepatier, and may result in liver failure. Therefore one's doctor will likely test their blood in order to determine if they currently have or have had Hepatitis B. In July of 2016, Penn Medicine in Philadelphia launche...