Abstract

BULGARIAN EXPERIENCE IN TREATMENT OF ADDICT WITH CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS ON METHADONE THERAPY

Tsvetelina Tarpomanova*

ABSTRACT

Chronic viral hepatitis, in particular Hepatitis C, are widely spread and of proven medical and social relevance. Persons who use injected drugs (mainly heroin) represent a serious risk group with respect of incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C. In Bulgaria, this population, because of its characteristics (young age, lack of severe co-morbidities), allows for the timely application of effective treatment. The studies quoted track the dynamics of different psychological/psychiatric factors, the therapeutic response and the side effects of the interferon treatment of addicts enrolled in methadone programs. The results show that besides depressiveness, there are no data of occurrence of any other psychiatric problems or disorders during the treatment. The therapeutic response and the side effects of interferon treatment of these patients are commensurate with others who are not drug dependent. The side effects of the treatment are similar to both opioid abstinence symptoms and symptoms of a too high dose of methadone. The selection of patients in methadone programs, training, the supervision and the better monitoring of their condition are essential for the successful treatment of hepatitis C.

Keywords: Hepatitis C, Interferon treatment, opioid addict, Methadone treatment.