There are 6 major hepatitis C genotypes of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the human population, but there are 142 subtypes in the world.
Most hepatitis C treatments are based on the 6 most common genotypes to treat and cure hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C Genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
The most common genotype, 40% to 80%, is genotype 1.
Most Europeans usually have hepatitis C genotype 1.
In the US, genotype 1a & 1b are common and have a higher risk for liver cancer and severe liver disease.
Harvoni & generic Harvoni (sofosbuvir 400 mg ledipasvir 90 mg) treats genotypes 1, 4, 5 & 6, sometimes 3.
Sovaldi & generic Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400 mg) treats genotypes 2 and 3, with or without weight based ribavirin.
Epclusa & generic Epclusa (sofosbuvir 400 mg velpatasvir 100 mg) treats all genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
All hepatitis C treatments mentioned above can be taken with or without weight based ribavirin, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Cure rate for the hepatitis C with these treatments are very high around 93% to 99%.
Interesting Fact: only one person in the world has the hepatitis C virus genotype 7 and it was only discovered in 2013.
Why do we need to know about hepatitis C genotypes?
Understanding what genotype an individual has allows your doctor or healthcare professional which hepatitis C treatment will be most effective.
You don’t want to put a square peg in a round hole.
There is a very small chance that the hepatitis C treatment is not effective for your particular genotype.
Then what other options do you have?
In this situation, we have to re-target the hepatitis C virus with different treatments, and who wants to go through all that rigmarole.
You don’t want to shoot in the dark.
Viruses can adapt to treatment, so you don’t want to take the chance and not getting it right the first time.
There is a small segment of the population, about 1%, that cannot be treated with hepatitis C, with current treatments available.
Those individuals can continue to live a healthy life even with an active hepatitis C virus infection. As long as they eat well, exercise, stay hydrated and do not drink alcohol.
What about HCV genotype 1a?
HCV genotype 1 is most common around the world. 1a subtype is more resistant to drugs but can be treated with 12 weeks of Epclusa or Harvoni. As well 8 weeks of Mavyret has show to be effective. These HCV treatments have a very high success rate for treating genotype 1a.
What about HCV genotype 3?
Like genotype 1, genotype 3 can be a challenge to treat.
New hepatitis C treatment drugs like Mavyret, Epclusa and Sovaldi have high cure rates for genotype 3.
Today, direct acting antivirals or DAAs have an excellent track record to cure hepatitis C in almost all hepatitis C patients.
What about HCV genotype 1b?
According to case studies, genotype 1b is linked to higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma for those with cirrhosis of the liver.
Genotype 1b can be treated with 12 weeks of Harvoni (sofosbuvir 400 mg ledipasvir 90 mg) and Harvoni (sofosbuvir 400 mg velpatasvir 100 mg). Mavyret, for 8 weeks, is also another option for treatment.
Epclusa treats all genotypes of hepatitis C
Epclusa cost from Sunny Pharma is very affordable at $699 and accessible. Once you place your order you will receive your medicine within 7 to 14+ days. You also have access to a Sunny Pharma nurse 24/7 to answer all questions regarding Epclusa, what to eat and what not to eat or drink. What medications or supplements you can take with your Epclusa medication, Sunny Pharma will provide you with all the answers.