Incidence and Management of Rash in Telaprevir-Treated Patients

Background: Telaprevir-induced rash is a common, therapy-limiting adverse drug event (ADE) for patients with hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection. Given the similarity between telaprevir and simeprevir, real-world management of rash during treatment with an NS3/4A protease inhibitor and its implications are important. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of rash in telaprevir-treated patients, its management, and the impact on sustained virological response and to identify any risk factors for rash development. Method: This was a retrospective study of adult patients who were treated with telaprevir in a hepatology clinic from July 1, 2011, to August 31, 2012. Pertinent information on demographics, past medical history, medications, laboratory data, outcomes of rash, other ADEs related to treatment, and physician grading of rash were collected. Result: Of 159 patients included, 44% (70/159) developed rash, and 4% (7/159) discontinued therapy because of rash. Median number o...