Hepatitis C Treatment: A question of access.

Today I had two emails relating very contrasting stories.
The first one was from a guy who lives in the USA who ordered generic Harvoni through me last year and is now cured.
In the USA there is no problem for people with Hepatitis C to import generic Hep C medication. The US FDA has total discretionary power over the importation of medicines for personal use. The guidelines are that as long as not more than 12 weeks treatment is imported and that it is only for personal use, then there is no problem.
So for nearly three years now I have been assisting people in the USA to import generic versions of Sovaldi, Harvoni and Epclusa without and problems from the FDA or US Customs.
Warren in the USA is now cured thanks to the sensible and fair policy of the US FDA.

The other email was from a guy in Argentina who I also sent medication to, but whose story had a very different outcome. I sent him generic Epclusa and it reached Argentina without any problems. After the parcel was sitting for a couple of weeks in the Argentinian Customs’ offices he was finally summoned to explain why he was importing a medicine for personal use.
He explained that he had Hepatitis C and that the medication he needed (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir) was not available in Argentina etc.
At this point in time he actually had the parcel containing the generic Epclusa in his hands. The cure he had been waiting to get was there in his grasp. But the Customs official took it back from him and then told him that he could not have it and that was that….
Can you imagine this man’s frustration and anguish? Here he had the medication he needed right in his hands and some pompous official decides that he cannot have it.
I think I would have exploded!!!
He, on the other hand, remained calm and contacted me to work out other ways of getting the medicines to me.
Argentina, like Canada and Serbia, is unique in the world is as much as it strongly and actively blocks its citizens from acquiring life saving medicines. Like Serbia Argentina can not afford to offer its citizens free, or subsidized treatment for Hepatitis C. So you have this insane situation where a government prevents its people from accessing treatment for a potentially fatal disease without offering any alternative treatment options.

From; Warren
Sent: Thursday, 29 March 2018 5:45 AM
To: gregjefferys@outlook.com
Subject: Treatment Update/Thank you

Hi Greg,

This is one note I have been looking forward to writing over the past few months.

I last communicated with you near the end of July 2017 when the medication you sent me arrived. Since that time there has been nothing but good news, very good news.
I began taking the one tablet per day dose on September 1, 2017.
At the end of 8 weeks, I saw Dr. G and Dr O, both Infectious Disease Specialists here in Deland, for the follow up.
My Primary Care Physician, Dr S, gave me the referral to see Dr. O. My primary care doctor was very supportive of the path I chose to obtain the generic medication to treat my Hep C, and he directed me to begin taking it at my first visit with him after the drug arrived.
That was September 1st , and he immediately made an appointment for me with Dr. O for approximately eight weeks from that date of the beginning of treatment. Dr. O had me complete blood work, and those results showed I was clear of Hep C at the end of approximately 8 weeks. Dr. O had me continue with the treatment for the 12 weeks period, and again the 12 week tests at end of treatment showed I was free of the virus, cured.
Dr. O also completed several other tests to check on the functioning of the liver, and to see what, if any, damage was done to the liver. He found minimum fibrosis and no Cirrhosis.

Your recommendation that I see Dr. Cortes was perfect. He was completely understanding and very professional and thorough. He saved me a 300 mile trip after my initial office visit by mailing to Dr. Sharma the prescription after he received the lab results for tests and an ultra sound that he also he ordered.

I am now SVR 12 and could not have expected better results, and I am very appreciative for your efforts, not only for me, but for the many you have assisted. Greg, if I can vouch for your service and your integrity to anyone, I would be very happy to do so.

Best Wishes,

Warren

In Argentina more than 100,000 people who have Hepatitis C can not hope for any treatment from their public health system, while at the same time the Argentine government prevents its people from importing generic Hepatitis C treatment

From: Argentina
Sent: Thursday, 29 March 2018 9:13 AM
To: gregjefferys@outlook.com
Subject: Re: Order Epclusa

Well it all seemed like a Cinderella’s dream. A nightmare that lasted for a few hours. Customs called me in to inform me that they wouldn’t let the meds into the country. They told me that it was needed FDA (Argentina) authorization for them to give it to me.
So on the 20th or so my medicines will start its way back to you.
Whenever you feel we are ready I can give you my friend’s address in ###### and we will try again.
I want you to know that I had the medicines in my hand and I just felt like running away with them. But I braced myself into control.
I feel desolate but as I said before. I waited 30 years I could wait a couple of months more.
Another folk saying we have here:
“Lo que no te mata te fortalice.”

It goes more or less like this:
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Stay well mi amigo!!

My Response:

HI A
I am so sorry to read this… I think that I would have exploded in this situation!!!!
I congratulate you on your self control.
I am presently travelling in Europe. Do you have any connections in Europe?
I can certainly organise delivery to anyone in Europe if that is better for you.
Otherwise it is no problem to organise the shipment to your friend in #####
Please let us discuss the option that will be best for you.
Best wishes
Greg

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

• Post Categories
• Uncategorized