virological failure – the term for when viral load levels never reach undetectable, or if they rebound to higher levels after previously being undetectable. See clinical failure.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
RNA – an abbreviation for the scientific word for genetic material found in some types of viruses. It is the abbreviation for ribonucleic acid. It is very similar to DNA but is single-strand rather than the double-strand in DNA. See DNA.
DAA (direct acting antiviral) – new hepatitis C drugs that work directly against the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
The following links are to UK prescribing information for DAA combinations plus ribavirin.
Elbasvir/grazoprevir
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/elbasvir-with-grazoprevir/
Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/ledipasvir-with-sofosbuvir/
Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/glecaprevir-with-pibrentasvir/
Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sofosbuvir-with-velpatasvir/
Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sofosbuvir-with-velpatasvir-and-voxilaprevir/
Ribavirin (RBV)
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/ribavirin/
Additional information is available from the MHRA website.
https://products.mhra.gov.uk/
antibody – a protein that is part of your immune system that is produced to fight an infection. Each antibody recognises a specific antigen.
monotherapy – using only one drug.