Thinking of doing hepatitis C treatment? Now's the time to take that first step and get yourself ready.

New direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs offer easier and highly effective treatments for hepatitis C. These DAAs are now available in Australia on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March 2016.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT
If you live in metropolitan Adelaide and are not being monitored for your hepatitis C, contact the viral hepatitis community nurses who provide services in central, northern and southern Adelaide. The viral hepatitis nurses may be contacted on the following numbers:

• Central - 0423 782 415
• Northern - 0401 717 971
• Southern - 0466 777 876

If you live in a rural community, speak to your GP about a referral.

The viral hepatitis nurses will answer all your questions and help you to prepare for treatment. They will ensure all the necessary tests are done before you start treatment. These tests may include:

• Fibroscan - a non-invasive scan to assess the level of scarring, if any, in your liver.
• Genotype test to determine the strain of hepatitis C you have so that the most appropriate therapy is prescribed for you.
• Viral load test to determine the amount of virus in your blood. This will serve as a baseline against which to measure your progress as you go through treatment.

Depending on your individual circumstances, the nurses may arrange for other tests. They will also help you to prepare yourself physically and mentally so that you have the best chance of successful treatment.

Hepatitis SA will be hosting a community forum on the new hepatitis C treatments on 8 April, at the Adelaide City Council library on Rundle Mall. For more information or to book a place call 8362 8443 and speak to Tess.

For more details about the new drugs and treatment regimes:
visit our treatment page and also check out the links below.