The expanding role of the pharmacist in the management of hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects approximately 3-4 million people per year worldwide. Overall, about 170 million people have chronic HCV infection, which can result in development of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Of those with chronic HCV infection, the proportion with cirrhosis is expected to be 45% by the year 2030, and prevalence rates of heptaocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation are expected to increase over the next decade as well. These startling statistics underscore how crucial effective treatment and patient support are in the management of HCV infection. Pharmacists are in an ideal situation to assist with these endeavors, especially in light of new treatment options that recently became available. In this issue of JMCP, Tungol et al. provide a thorough review of the current status of treatment of genotype 1 HCV infection, along with suggestions for formulary management of new treatment options utilized in managing this chronic infection.