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Hep C Treatments by Genotype

Hepatitis C is from a virus that causes infection and liver damage. Hep C is classified by the virus’s genetic makeup of single-strand RNA. The RNA is made up of the virus’s genetic code and specific building blocks.

What are genotypes?

You can think of your hep C genotype as the "strain" of hep C that you have. There are six main genotypes of hepatitis C, along with subtypes that identify each strain. The diagnosis of genotype is important because each virus strain responds differently to treatment.

There are a variety of treatment options available for hepatitis C, all with a high cure rate, few side effects, and short treatment times. But, knowing which treatment will work best for each genotype is important.

How hep C treatment is determined

Treatment for hepatitis C is determined by several factors:

  • Genotype
  • Liver condition (little to mild liver damage, fibrosis, or cirrhosis (compensated or decompensated)
  • Viral load
  • Medical Conditions
  • Any co-infections exist (Hep B, HIV, or infection with more than one genotype at the same type)
  • Medications the patient is already taking to avoid interaction
  • Prior hepatitis C treatment experience

After all the above is determined by your physician, they will give a recommendation on which treatment or class of treatments will work best for you.

Hepatitis C treatments by genotype

Hepatitis C treatments include...

Genotype 1a, 1b

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir): A pan-genotypic treatment to be used with or without Ribavirin by Gilead Sciences. A generic is available in the U.S. by Aseuqua Therapeutics (Gilead Science Subsidiary).

Vosevi (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir: A pan-genotypic treatment by Gilead Sciences.

Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir): A pan-genotypic treatment by AbbVie.

Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) by Gilead Sciences. A generic is available in the U.S. by Aseuqua Therapeutics (Gilead Science Subsidiary).

Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) with or without Ribavirin by Merck

Genotype 2 with or without cirrhosis

Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir)

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir)

Vosevi (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir)

Genotype 3

Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir)

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir)

Vosevi (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir)

Genotype 4

Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir)

Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir)

Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) with or without Ribavirin

Vosevi (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir)

Genotype 5 & 6

Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir)

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir)

Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)

Considerations

All treatments above are FDA approved and used in the United States and some other countries. Take treatment medication as prescribed until treatment duration is completed for treatment to work effectively. Talk to your doctor if you experience any treatment side effects and what is safe for you to take. Do not alter or stop treatment medications unless your physician advises.1

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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The HepatitisC.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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