Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major public health concern. HCV, the most common blood borne infection in the US, is estimated to affect over 4 million Americans (about 1-2% of the population). Worldwide, over 170 million people are infected. Most Americans with HCV infection acquired it in the 1970s and 1980s, before the virus was identified. Although the rate of new infections declined between 1989-2011, there has been a recent increase in new infections since 2013. Unfortunately, there is no effective HCV vaccine at this time. The majority of people with acute HCV infection develop chronic infection; only 15-25% clear the infection spontaneously. Most individuals with chronic HCV infection are asymptomatic; some may experience nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue. Among those who were infected 10-30 years ago, about 50% remain undiagnosed. Consequently, a high percentage of infected people are unaware that they have HCV, can transmit it to others, and do not seek medical help or treatment.
HCV causes liver inflammation, resulting in advanced scarring (cirrhosis) in 10 to 20% of those infected. Chronic HCV infection is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and endstage liver disease requiring transplantation. In 2012, over 22,900 deaths related to liver cancer occurred in the US. From 1999 to 2013, the largest increase in liver cancer and deaths occurred in individuals born during 1945 through 1965 compared to other birth-year groups. Early detection and appropriate HCV antiviral treatment can reduce the risk of progressive disease and death...
Fee
CE Hours
CE Units
Activity Type
- Knowledge
Target Audience(s)
- Pharmacists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Nurses
Accreditation(s)
CE activities for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians:
This continuing education (CE) activity meets the requirements of all state boards of pharmacy for approved continuing education hours. CE credit is automatically reported to CPE Monitor.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for formally approved continuing education (CE) hours, and CE hours of pharmacotherapeutics.
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) for acceptable, accredited CE.
- The ANCC requires all advanced practice nursing certificants (CNSs and NPs) to complete 25 CE hours of pharmacotherapeutics as a portion of the required 75 continuing education hours.
- Pharmacology CE is recommended by the AANPCP and will be required for Certificants renewing certification starting January 2017.
- Most State Boards of Nursing require a minimum number of pharmacy contact hours to renew an advanced practice license.
Requirements for CE Credit
Objectives
- Describe the prevalence and general course of HCV disease, risk factors, and factors that may worsen HCV disease.
- Outline general antiviral treatment considerations, including social factors, HCV genotype, disease severity, and coexisting medical conditions.
- Describe the DAA regimens for HCV genotypes 1, 2, and 3, including dosing, duration, indications, contraindications, and potential drug-drug interactions.
- List common side effects of DAA agents and management strategies. Counsel patients on the importance of adherence.
Speaker(s)/Author(s)
Helen Yee Brief Bio : Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco; Adjunct Faculty, School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA; and Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; National Hepatitis C Resource Center, Department of Veterans Affairs. |
Activity Number
0428-0000-16-009-H01