FDA Approves Hepatitis C Drug
WASHINGTON, DC-Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a Shering-plough Corporation hepatitis C drug could be packaged and marketed alone for the first time.
Patients in need of ribavirin have previously had to purchase Shering's Rebetron kit, containing two drugs: ribavirin and interferon-A. The kit can cost $1,400 to $1,600 a month for some patients who only need ribavirin. Patient protest forced the agency to reexamine their marketing rules.
Today agency officials announced Schering could sell the drug in a separate package, under the name Rebetrol. Sales will begin this fall with no word from the manufacturer how much the prescription will cost. A Schering spokesperson did say the FDA approved the drug to be used with Schering's interferon brand, called Intron A. However, physicians do not have to prescribe the two drugs together now that they will not be packaged together.
Hepatitis C is a viral bloodborne disease that attacks the liver and can cause jaundice, fatigue, pain, and vomiting. It can lead to liver damage and cancer. There are an estimated four million Americans who have the virus.
Information from www.nytimes.com
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision Viruses
April 24th 2025Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.
