Sask. woman pays $23K for drug to cure hepatitis C
Similar drug available for free in upcoming clinical trials
How much would you pay to be disease-free?
A Saskatchewan woman spent $23,000 of her own money for a drug called Harvoni. It treats hepatitis C, a disease that can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
"Leigh" had been living with hepatitis C for years, but was unaware she had been infected. CBC has agreed to protect the woman's identity as she doesn't want her community to know about her illness.
"I personally wanted it over with as quickly as possible, the best way possible." -Leigh
She was diagnosed with hepatitis C after a routine blood test last year. The diagnosis took her by surprise because she says she had no symptoms and felt quite healthy. Leigh says she has never done drugs or had a tattoo, but she did have a blood transfusion in the 1980s.
Harvoni was added to the provincial drug formulary in April 2015, but Leigh didn't qualify to receive provincial coverage because she was still relatively healthy. The drug was not covered by her private insurance so she paid for it herself.
"I personally wanted it over with as quickly as possible, the best way possible." Leigh said.
Leigh took the pills for eight weeks and says there were no noticeable side-effects. She is now free of hepatitis C.
Clinical trials starting soon
Dr. Alex Wong says some people may soon be able to get drugs similar to Harvoni free of charge. Wong is an infectious diseases specialist with the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region. He will be running clinical trials in Regina this December.
Between five to eight patients will be chosen to receive a treatment of two pills once a day, for eight weeks. Medications will be provided by the drug company.
People who are interested in applying can ask their primary-care physician to send a referral to the Infectious Disease Clinic at the Regina General Hospital.
Baby boomers urged to get tested
Both Leigh and Dr. Wong encourage people between the ages of 40-70 to be tested at least once for hepatitis C.
According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, approximately 250,000 Canadians have hepatitis C, but many don't know it. Hepatitis C numbers are particularly high in Saskatchewan due to the prevalence of intravenous drug use.