Hep C: Have men who have sex with men (MSM) reached a turning point?

published on May 2, 2018 by Philip Baldwin, in Gaytimes

Last year, 9940 people living with Hep C were treated with the new direct acting antiviral medications in the UK. Treatments typically last 12 weeks and are close to 100 percent effective. Many of those treated were gay men living in London.

In London and across the UK waiting lists are down. In most places there are no longer waiting lists at all. Those diagnosed with Hep C can now expect to start treatment shortly after diagnosis. The goal of health professionals, charities and campaigners is that patients will soon be able to start treatment on the day they are diagnosed.

The treatment situation around Hep C has changed dramatically over the last few years. I was treated for my Hep C between December 2016 and March 2017, having lived with the virus since 2010. I had a rollercoaster journey, as new medications became available in a constantly changing treatment landscape.

At first the NHS refused to give me the new drugs, treating only those with advanced liver damage (fibrosis or cirrhosis). In December 2016, my specialist explained that policy had changed and there were treatment slots available. I had three gay friends who were also co-infected with HIV and Hep C, all living in London. One commenced treatment at the same time as me, another in the summer of 2017 and a third in October 2017. All responded positively to the new medications, clearing the virus. I do not know anyone who is still on a waiting list in London.

As men who have sex with men (MSM) are treated for their Hep C, a treatment as prevention approach becomes possible. Once a patient has cleared their Hep C, they cannot pass it on. MSM are one of the most active groups in terms of STI testing. The NHS recommends that MSM get tested at least once a year and every three months if having sex with new or casual partners.

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Hep C: Have men who have sex with men (MSM) reached a turning point?

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