The Food and Drug Administration approved the manufacture and release of the newest Hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi, in the market. Those with the disease will finally have the drug they have been waiting for. However, the catch, it is so expensive it costs thousands of dollars per pill.
The known treatment for Hepatitis C comes in an injectable form and it can cause flu-like symptoms to the patient. Taking in a pill once a day is easier to do than withstanding invasive procedures like injections.
The medicine is taken for 90 days and each pill costs about $1,125. So, for a 90-day treatment it will cost approximately $100,000. The Canadian-based company who manufactured the drug, Gilead is being bashed because of their pricing.
The Senate of the United States already asked the company to provide documents on why the medicine is so expensive. Their release of this new drug drew debates especially in the health care society. Many patients with the illness are trying hard to raise money for treatment.
According to Michelle Carver, a 55 year-old patient with Hepatitis C, when she underwent treatment with Sovaldi, she felt better. She lost hope months ago because she thinks her liver is failing but now, she feels healthier than ever.
Hepatitis C is a viral and infectious disease that can be fatal because it basically affects the liver. It can be transmitted through body fluids and can be transferred through sex, blood transfusion and pricks as for tattoos.
Hepatitis C accounts to an estimated 350 000 to 500 000 deaths each year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases. There are 130 -150 million people in the world living with Hepatitis C infection. Before, there are no known vaccines for this disease but researches are ongoing in the brim that someday, a preventive measure can be invented.
Practicing safe sex and making sure blood products are screened are just some of the measures to prevent the illness. Hopeful patients are clinging on the promise that the price may go down for them to be cured.