CHECK Berlin #4

HEALTH
ENGLISH
LENGTHY TREATMENT WITH A GOOD
CHANCE OF RECOVERY
For the treatment of a diagnosed hepatitis C
infection a new generation of drugs has been
available for several years that are achieving
good results. Up until 6-7 years ago,
the chances of recovery were only up to 75
percent on average. The drugs used today can
reach up to 95 percent.
Which active ingredient is the most suitable
for the individual and whether monotherapy
or combination therapy is an option depends
on the genotype of the virus strain detected.
This decision can only be made by an experienced
hepatologist and the patient must be
monitored during therapy. The therapy can
be adapted depending on the stage of the
disease or if side effects occur. The drugs are
taken as tablets and the therapy usually lasts
12 to 24 weeks.
Since the active ingredients used have highly
complex compositions, the costs for a therapy
are in the five to six-figure range. There are
also special requirements for transport and
storage. Many pharmacies therefore understandably
do not have these drugs in stock.
The order does not go through the normal
wholesale channels either. As a patient, you
should be prepared for this and submit your
prescription to the pharmacy of your choice
in good time.
MEDICATION CAN ALSO BE ORDERED
VIA APP
There may be delays even in specialized
pharmacies such as the BezirksApotheke
Friedrichshain, where customers are offered
the option of ordering online or using an app
in advance. And of course we also deliver the
medication to your home free of charge. Nevertheless,
it is advisable to keep in contact with
us during therapy. We can monitor the course of
any side effects more closely than the doctor.
In addition, we can advise on any accompanying
medication that may become necessary during
this time and check whether existing long-term
medications can be combined.
Since depression can develop during therapy
due to the infection or the medication, personal
contact with a trustworthy contact person is
really important. We take our mandate seriously
and have an open ear for all problems.
Our advice:
Always use new, clean needles and
syringes, do not share these or other
drug supplies with others. Always
have sex with a condom and test
regularly. Because hepatitis C should
be avoided by all means, just like its
letter friends.
Authors: Lucy Windus (l.), Alexandra Schellbach
Pharmaceutical-technical assistant of BezirksApotheke Friedrichshain
BEZIRKSapotheke Friedrichshain
(Pharmacy specialized in HIV, PrEP, STDs)
Warschauer Str. 27, 10243 Berlin
Phone +49 30 296 20 24
friedrichshain@bezirksapotheke.de
40 CHECK | AUSGABE 4