With the new range of (direct acting antiviral) drugs 94% of people are Hep C free after only a few short months. This includes people on methadone (or similar) and people with a recent history of injecting drugs. The side-effects of these new treatments are very minor compared to previous treatments.

Hepatitis C (Hep C) is an infectious disease primarily affecting the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus which is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact (usually intravenous drug use). The infection often shows no initial symptoms, but chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver. In some cases, those with severe scarring (cirrhosis) may go on to develop liver failure or liver cancer.

Within only 6 months of intravenous drug use, 50-80% of drug users test positive for Hep C.

Our Hep C clinic runs every Monday afternoon from 2:30pm-4pm and from 10am-2pm every second Friday. Appointments can be made to discuss:

• Testing to see if you have Hep C
• Information about how to live with Hep C or Hep B
• starting treatment for Hep
• Learning how to keep your liver healthy

Please note that the First Step Healthy Liver Clinic is happy to establish a shared care relationship with your First Step GP for the delivery of Hep C treatment.

In part because the new medications are so effective, the federal government has put billions of dollars in to getting Australia ‘Hep C free’. Don’t wait any longer, ask at reception or call 9537 3177 for an appointment.

Useful links:

Hepatitis Victoria: www.hepvic.org.au or Hep C Infoline 1800 703 003

Hepatitis Australia: www.hepatitisaustralia.com