Glossary

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.

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.