Reaching the Unreachable: Strategies for HCV Eradication in Patients With Refractory Opioid Addiction-A Real-world Experience

Open Forum Infect Dis. 2021 Jun 17;8(8):ofab325. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofab325. eCollection 2021 Aug.

Abstract

To achieve global hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication, barriers prohibiting treatment access need to be overcome. We established a strategy to initiate antiviral therapy in patients with severe, refractory heroin addiction. All patients achieved sustained virological response. Outreach programs of hepatologists might be a reasonable way to overcome barriers to HCV treatment.

Keywords: DAA; HCV; active drug use; diamorphine; heroin.