What to Do With a Positive Hepatitis C Test

PATIENT SELECTION FOR ANTIVIRAL THERAPY

For successful outcomes, it is imperative that clinicians spend the time up front to counsel and teach the patients and their families or other supportive individuals. Explain that commitment requires the full duration of the treatment. Have patients sign a consent form agreeing to frequent blood testing, scheduled office visits, pregnancy prevention, and abstention from alcohol and drug use.

There is significant risk for medication reactions with PIs. A thorough medication review must be obtained before starting these drugs. Several medications are contraindicated, including simvastatin (Zocor), St. John’s wort, and sildenafil (Viagra). Other medications require cautious use, including amlodipine (Norvasc), clarithromycin (Biaxin), methadone and zolpidem (Ambien). Please see the Victrelis and Incivek pagackage inserts for a complete list of potential drug interactions.


The goal with any of the treatments described is to support the patient through the process, foster a partnership in this unique opportunity to cure, and provide congratulations on the successes along the way.

Lynn Rapsilber, MSN, ANP-BC, APRN, is a nurse practitioner with Litchfield County Gastroenterology in Torrington, CT


This article originally appeared on Clinical Advisor