Key findings
- An estimated 32,400 individuals initiated direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in 2016 (March–December), equating to 14% of the peopleliving with chronic HCV infection in Australia.
- Of individuals initiating DAA treatment in 2016, 66% were men, 57% were >50 years old, and 36% had cirrhosis.
- The most commonly prescribed regimen was sofosbuvir/ledipasvir for 56%, followed by sofosbuvir+daclatasvir for 39%.
- Of individuals initiated on sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, 14% were prescribed an 8-week course, 75% a 12-week course, and 11% a 24-week course. Of individuals initiated on sofosbuvir+daclatasvir, 64% were prescribed a 12-week course, and 36% a 24-week course.
- Overall, 62% of individuals were prescribed DAA treatment by specialists (50% by gastroenterologist, 8% by infectious diseases physicians, and 4% by other specialist), while 19% of individuals were prescribed DAA treatment by general practitioners (GPs). The proportion of individuals prescribed DAA treatment by GPs increased from 8% in March to 31% in December.
