Oral Prescription Opioids as a High-Risk Indicator for Hepatitis C Infection: Another Step Toward HCV Elimination.
Benjamin HackUtsav TimalsinaEshetu TeferaBrittany WilkersonEmily PakuStephen FernandezDawn FishbeinPublished in: Journal of primary care & community health (2021)
(1) In a large population prescribed oral opioids, HCVAb+ was 8.6%, higher than our previously published data (2.5%) and the US rate (1.7%); (2) only 20% of patients diagnosed with OUD were tested; and (3) only 25% of HCVAb+ patients were classified with OUD; this suggests underreporting of OUD in this population. Primary Care and Community Health Recommendations: (1) Re-testing for HCV in patients taking OPOs; (2) increased HCV testing among OUD patients; and (3) improved surveillance and reporting of OUD.