DHMH recognizes World Hepatitis Day
Hepatitis C (HCV) medications now available for specific clients
BALTIMORE, MD (July 28, 2016) – The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), the Prevention and Health Promotion Administration (PHPA), and the Infectious Disease Prevention and Health Services Bureau (IDPHSB) join the nation in the observance of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2016. At this time, DHMH is proud to formally announce the expansion of the Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program (MADAP) formulary to include medications for hepatitis C. This action allows MADAP clients access to treatments known to cure hepatitis C in as little as 12-24 weeks. Hepatitis C medications added to the formulary in April 2016 include:
- Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
- Viekira Pak
- Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)
- Ribavirin
- Zepatier
“We are pleased to be able to include medications to the list of treatments available to Maryland residents co-infected with HIV and HCV who are enrolled in our MADAP program,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, Dr. Howard Haft.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25% of people living with HIV are co-infected with HCV.[1] HIV/HCV co-infection increases the risk for liver disease, liver failure, and liver-related death.
“The Infectious Disease Prevention and Health Services Bureau is committed to working with health professionals and community stakeholders to ensure that Marylanders co-infected with HIV and HCV have access to medications that allow them to prevent life-threatening complications,” said Bureau Director, Jeffrey Hitt. Marylanders with HIV are encouraged to call 410-767-6535 or 1-800-205-6308 to learn more about the MADAP Program.
Additionally, for World Hepatitis Day this year, DHMH urges baby boomers—persons born from 1945 through 1965—to get an HCV test. Although anyone can contract HCV, 75% of adults infected with the virus are baby boomers. Learn more about baby boomers and HCV by clicking here. DHMH’s Maryland Community-Based Programs to Test and Cure Hepatitis C, a CDC-sponsored initiative, is a collaboration
between public health, primary care, and specialty care to provide access to quality HCV screening and treatment.
###
