Viral Hepatitis

Question 1

What classes of drugs are used to treat Hepatitis C?

Answer 1

IFN-alpha
Ribavirin
Protease inhibitors
Polymerase inhibitors

Question 2

What are the NS3 protease inhibitors used to treat HCV?

Answer 2

Boceprevir
Telaprevir
Simeprevir

Question 3

What are the NS5b polymerase inhibitors used to treat HCV?

Answer 3

Sofosbuvir

Question 4

What are the adverse effects associated with IFN-alpha?

Answer 4

Depression
myelosuppression
Flu-like symptoms
Thyroid disorders
Liver failure 
retinopathy

Question 5

What are the adverse effects associated with Ribavirin?

Answer 5

Hemolytic anemia

teratogenicity

Question 6

What are the adverse effects associated with the NS3 protease inhibitors?

Answer 6

Anemia
Rash
Drug interaction
Resistance variants

Question 7

What proportion of HBV patients can be cured?

Answer 7

Only 5-10% of HBV patients can be cured with loss of HBs Surface antigen

Question 8

What is the 4 goals of HBV treatment?

Answer 8

Decrease replication
Lower HBV DNA
Minimize liver injury and prevent progression
Decrease risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

Question 9

What drugs are used to treat HBV infections?

Answer 9

IFN-alpha
Entacavir
Tenofovir

Question 10

What is the MOA of IFN-alpha?

Answer 10

IFN-alpha modulates the immune system thus increasing immune response against the HBV.

Question 11

What is the MOA of Tenofovir?

Answer 11

Tenofovir is an analog of AMP that competes with AMP for incorporation into the viral DNA. Inhibits viral DNA replication

Question 12

What is the MOA of Entecavir?

Answer 12

Selective HBV DNA polymerase inhibitor