HCV News
Week Ending 04/05/2015
Needle exchanges gain currency
'An increasing number of state and local officials are considering setting up needle exchanges in the wake of the spread of HIV and hepatitis C among intravenous drug users. The problem comes in tandem with rising intravenous use of heroin and prescription opioid analgesics nationwide.'
Cannabis use reduces risk of insulin resistance in people with HIV/HCV co-infection
'Cannabis use is associated with a reduced risk of insulin resistance in people with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection, French investigators report in the online edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases. Cannabis users - irrespective of the frequency of use - were 60% less likely to have insulin resistance (IR) than non-users.'
Risk Factors for Hep C Acquisition Among HIV-Positive Gay Men
'Condomless receptive intercourse, ulcerative sexually transmitted infections (STIs), fisting and sharing sex toys are all associated with sexual acquisition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), Project Inform reports. Sharing straws when snorting drugs is a risk factor for hep C acquisition among this population as well. Researchers from the MOSAIC study identified acute cases of hep C among HIV-positive MSM from 2009 onward in five hospitals in the Netherlands.'
BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy Releases 'HCV Treatment Path' App for Hepatitis C Providers
'BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy (BioPlus), one of the nation's leading innovative specialty pharmacies, has released a new app to keep health care providers informed with the latest treatment guidelines for treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This 'HCV Treatment Path' app offers up-to-date treatment guidelines based on information from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and other credible, scientific sources.'
Caring Ambassadors Program Inc.
Jill Wolf, LCSW
PO Box 1748
Oregon City, Oregon 97045
