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Published on: June 26, 2014

Adherence to chronic hepatitis C treatment regimen: first report from a referral center in iran

Saeedeh Ravi1, Mohsen Nasiri Toosi, Iman Karimzadeh

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran ; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IR Iran.

Hepatitis Monthly
|September 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Patient adherence to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatments like interferon and ribavirin varied significantly and decreased over time. Key non-adherence factors included prescription delays, financial issues, and side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment adherence, its influencing factors, and impact on patient outcomes remain under-researched.
  • Understanding adherence is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy in HCV patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate patient adherence to anti-HCV medications within the Iranian population.
  • To identify factors affecting adherence and its correlation with treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 190 HCV patients was studied from October 2010 to March 2011.
  • Adherence was assessed using self-reporting and pill counting at 1, 3, and 6 months, adhering to the 80/80/80 rule.
  • Socio-demographic, clinical, and HCV infection characteristics were collected.

Main Results:

  • Adherence rates for interferon, ribavirin, or combination therapy ranged from 28.4% to 65.8% over 6 months.
  • Common reasons for non-adherence included delayed prescriptions, financial difficulties, and adverse drug reactions.
  • Adherence to ribavirin independently predicted treatment and sustained virological response.

Conclusions:

  • Adherence rates to interferon and ribavirin treatments varied based on measurement methods.
  • A significant decline in adherence to interferon alpha and ribavirin was observed throughout the treatment duration.
Abstract

Keywords:
Hepatitis C, ChronicIranMedication Adherence

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