New drug to fight liver disease listed on PBS
New drug to fight liver disease listed on PBS
A fresh tool is available in the fight against debilitating liver disease with a new drug being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Around one in three Australians have a fatty liver and are in danger of developing liver disease.
Every year thousands of people go on to develop hepatic encephalopathy, which is commonly known as ‘H.E.’.
H.E. sets-in when the liver can longer remove poisons from the blood stream.
When these poisons reach the brain sufferers can feel like they are intoxicated with alcohol.
"The typical symptoms are a change in personaility, loss of memory, difficulty in managing daily living because of confusion and disorientation,” Professor Jacob George from Westmead Hospital said.
Stanley Jeyanayagam was a rail worker when he was diagnosed with H.E.
A stroke severely impaired his speech, but the new drug Rifaximin - which cleans the blood - has given him a second chance at life.
"Now I can talk and I can understand, it's a miracle for me... the medication,” Mr Jeyanayagam said.
The drug can reduce the risk of H.E. sufferers returning to hospital by 50 per cent.
Professor George said it is a simple tablet taken in the morning and evening, which allowed sufferers to be treated at home.
