the Image by ec-jpr copyright © 2011. Available under a Creative Commons license from http://www.flickr.com/photos/ec-jpr/4214127250/sizes/o/ c files WA’s Hepatitis Newsletter Issue 123 │ April/June 2011 WHAT IS THE HEPATITIS B TREATMENT? PREGNANCY: Hepatitis, my Baby and Me ANGELINA’S STORY + A STORY OF 2 LOVERS by u o oy t t gh ou Br dont let hep c slow you down: WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT VIRAL HEPATITIS? Call us for information, resources, and support. If you (08) 9227 9800 │ [email protected] │ www.hepatitiswa.com.au have a question about hepatitis, we’ve got the answer! e h t Note from the Editor cf Within this edition of the CFiles is a special treat of TWO personal stories, both of which are extremely interesting. The story of two lovers, ‘Love, Drugs & the Whole Damn Thing’, is told in a conversational style with the lovers reminiscing about their experiences and lessons in life. The Story of Angelina is written by a West Australian and can be found on page 12. s ile The CFiles is the official newsletter of A community-based non-profit organisation. Editor: Riana Young Management Committee: Dr Susan Carruthers (Chair) Mr Mike Seward (Vice Chair) Mrs Maria Kroon (Treasurer) Mr Frank Farmer (ex officio) Ms Leesa Tapping (Secretary) Ms Tania Lamond Ms Ursula Swan Postal Address PO Box 8435 Perth Business Centre Northbridge, WA 6849 Information & Support Line Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (08) 9328 8538 Metro 1800 800 070 Country Office 187 Beaufort St Northbridge, WA 6003 Telephone: (08) 9227 9800 Fax: (08) 9227 6545 www.hepatitiswa.com.au Proof Reading Frank Farmer Pregnancy and hepatitis looks at some questions a woman may have about the effect of living with hepatitis B or C and her developing baby, but also if being pregnant will affect her hepatitis. Pregnancy is usually is a joyful time, and being a woman living with hepatitis B or C shouldn’t change that. There is also an article on hepatitis B treatment, which examines the aims of treatment, what the treatment consists of, and the side-effects of some common treatment drugs. This is an interesting read for anyone who has wondered about hepatitis B treatment - like why the treatment is recommended for people whose liver is being damaged by the virus. As always, contributions from our members are welcome in the CFiles. Mailing details changed? Please let us know on (08) 9227 9806 or at [email protected] About the Cover This was a beautiful depiction of a pregnant woman found on flickr’s creative commons. She could be from any race, age or background. In the middle of her silhouette is a drop of blood - as transmission during birth is a concern for mothers-to-be who are living with hepatitis. 1 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 16 16 Love, Drugs & The Whole Damn Thing Welcome Anju - Community Development Officer Pregnancy and Living With Hepatitis C Pregnancy and Living With Hepatitis B Treatment for Hepatitis B Hepatitis Awareness Day 2011 Spotting Gene Variants May Boost Hepatitis C Treatment Anzac Biscuits Recipe WASUA’s Dedicated Domain Fingerprick Test for HCV Antibodies gets U.S. Approval Body Piercing of Young People Opinions published in the CFiles are not necessarily those of the editor or of HepatitisWA (Inc). Information in this newsletter is not intended to take the place of medical advice from your GP or specialist. You should always get appropriate medical advice on your particular needs or circumstances. MY STORY We want to tell our story, embarrassing as it is, because we have received and participated in the incredibly positive part peer education plays in the lives of drug users. So for all you lovers out there listen up! We were too old to be caught with our fits dirty (as opposed to our pant downs!!!) so to speak. Both extremely well educated about the risks of sharing we hadn’t done so for over two decades (we are both in our mid-forties). We were both involved in the early days of establishing needle exchanges, HIV and HCV education and user rights. But we can all be caught out, no matter how much theory we know. Love does not conquer all and it certainly doesn’t conquer the hep C virus. love/lust and it was going to stay that way and it was safe using all the way……… …. but we were not having safe sex. I can’t quite remember how we negotiated that one, but suffice to say the first time we were both shit faced and after that we discussed it and decided that for various reasons we could safely have unprotected sex. One of us has been neutered so unwanted pregnancy was not an issue. When we first used together we would try to prove to each other that one was more sterile When we first met we were both long time methadone in our technique than the other ….he usually won ‘drinkers’ – our early heavy, frenzied drug using days (bastard) I couldn’t wait quite as long… but then I had were over!! Having come out of an 18 year relationship hep C and he didn’t. I was not expecting to fall hard and completely for anyone but love is unpredictable! But fate often throws up a curly one. An unexpected opportunity to have a shot came up, but with only I actually didn’t think I could fall in love. I’d been in one used fit on hand, and no possibility of getting several committed relationships and the last one was clean equipment until the morning, what to do? We with a non-user. Heroin always came before any man. spent 10-15 minutes discussing the options. I knew I loved him when I was prepared to share my tastes on an on-going basis even though he was on a I had a used fit, we were at my house and I had a few lower dose of methadone, and as we all know, that stashed in places I’d forgotten. We’d been careful with meant I needed more but for once it was the being disposal so we didn’t have any others. together, the sharing, that mattered. I was in the love zone. I kept saying “I don’t care” and she replied “You can’t do it!!” with the dope in the middle of us. I rationalised We had used as much as our finances had allowed us with lines like “We sleep together” and “I’ve borrowed over the years, both still besotted with the drug but your toothbrush”. I let him rationalise the dangers not able to live the hard life of a committed user. We away. Despite all the best advice and intentions I went loved each other and as lovers do you give the person ahead and had the whack using the dirty fit! (It wasn’t you love what they love most and, beside each other, ‘dirty’ per se; it was infected with my HCV positive that was heroin. I ran up credit card bills, she didn’t pay blood.) We bleached it, flushed it and bombarded other bills, but we loved each other and we loved using. it with every type of cleaning protocol we’d heard It was a special treat on top of an all encompassing about. The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 1 MY STORY It is really hard to be the person who has used the fit. Although I do remember being in the reverse position ten years previously when a HIV positive friend had come around and we only had his fit and I decided not to use it - but then we weren’t lovers so the tension was different. I had been around the issue for so long I had ‘the disease’ I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, why would I give it to the person I loved? You don’t know if it will be transmitted but hep C has run through our community like a runaway train so it was really within the realms of possibility. But I wanted a shot and we hadn’t been together that long that having a shot did make the whole thing a little easier. He mightn’t see my stretch marks quite so clearly. So we whacked it up in that particular frenzy that besets one when having a long awaited shot. We tried to forget what we had done because we had to it was too hard to think about after you’d actually done it. Well you couldn’t enjoy the shot and we prayed to Morpheus not to punish us. Over the next few weeks I had nagging worries that I really had done the wrong thing. I had f***ed up!! I surreptitiously looked at the whites of his eyes and checked his appetite it was too early but I was really sick with worry. effort to take 100% responsibility and reassure her that it was not her fault! Well no one can make you feel any way other than the way you feel and that was shithouse. I knew I should have broken the tip off that fit and waited for the morning. I was so sorry but that makes absolutely no difference. I continued to feel unwell for some time and didn’t even want a shot as it made me too sick and we were both really scared to have one in case I croaked it. Two months later we thought we should have another shot (in the interests of medical science) to see if I was any better… I was - well at least I could have a whack. A little later I rang up a doctor in Sydney with a view to getting on interferon/ribavirin as I had heard that there was some research being done to look at whether you had a better chance of clearing it if you went on treatment and I was going to do anything I could to get rid of it even go to bloody liver specialists. I was referred to the local Liver Clinic to have tests and incredibly the results indicated that I had sero-converted and my body had dealt with the hep C!!! It was a real Christmas present. I am catholic and I prayed to baby Jesus for us both - me because I was Three weeks later when I had a shot I became incredibly hep C free and her because she didn’t have to worry sick - severe vomiting, the shakes – a bit like a dirty hit about being responsible when I died!! Because I was which is what I convinced myself it was. A week later reasonably healthy - no pills, no fags, no booze, my the same thing re-occurred and the thought of hep C body had been in a position to fight the virus. We know began to whirl around in my mind. a certain percentage of people do naturally seroconvert and I did have the sero-conversion illness. But I really This is when I knew it but didn’t want to be the one to believe if I hadn’t been in such good shape physically really tell him. The doctor had to do that! He was not the result wouldn’t have been so very excellent for me. well, generally lethargic not eating as usual and just a Just because we use heroin doesn’t mean we have to little off colour, not yellow but not his normal colour. desecrate our bodies. After all the longer we live the more we can… (fill in the blanks with whatever your I went to my doctor for antibody tests and whilst waiting passions in life happen to be). I’m sure you know what for the results I went yellow and felt really, really I mean. lethargic. The test, of course, came back positive. Why the hell had I been so STUPID? “Love” does not protect I was so grateful that he had such a good outcome. you from hep C, or ANY virus for that matter!! I knew I don’t care who you are and how well you can kid she would be really upset and feeling bad so I made an yourself, knowing you were responsible for assisting 2 ¤ someone to get HCV doesn’t feel good and I wondered if he hadn’t sero-converted and cleared the virus if it would have become one of those things you start throwing at each other later down the track - “You gave me hepatitis!”. Any way we are still together and continue to use but we are so goddam careful it’s like an operating theatre. Each on one side of the room, own equipment HepatitisWA and then we come together knowing we can enjoy ourselves as we don’t have to worry about viral transmissions. So listen to two old users but young lovers and remember…. All the knowledge and experience in the world doesn’t protect you from the intoxicating effects of love and drugs!! Everybody has a story to tell... Think that you have something you would like to share with our readers? Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be very therapeutic, while benefiting other people affected by hepatitis who are reading your story. Reading about other’s experiences can provide valuable comfort, information and encouragement. Reprinted with permission from the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) This story and more can be found at: Support the newsletter that supports you by contributing to the www.aivl.org.au CFiles. Send stories, poems, artwork or anything else you’d like to put in to Riana: [email protected] or call (08) 9227 9806. WELCOME ANJU - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Anju joined HepatitisWA on 8th March 2011 as the newly created Hepatitis B Community Development Officer. She has extensive experience and passion for working closely with both Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) and Indigenous communities. Her previous employment includes Grants Officer with the Office of Multicultural Communities, Project Officer with the Sasa Youth Mentor Program, Community Development Officer with ASeTTS and Support Worker with Multicultural Women’s Advocacy Service- to name just a few!! She has also worked in a volunteer capacity at Amnesty International, in particular their Stop Violence against Women campaign and Demand Dignity Campaign. Anju is of Sri Lankan background, happily married with a 1 year old daughter, and is committed to making a positive difference for disadvantaged communities in Australia. Anju hopes to raise the profile of CaLD communities settling in WA and is positive about putting Hepatitis B on the agenda for these new and emerging communities. Image by Nats, copyright © 2011. Available under a Creative Commons license from http://www.flickr.com/photos/nats/4749911723/sizes/l/in/photostream/ The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 3 FEATURE Hepatitis C pregnancy and Living with hepatitis Most women become pregnant during the years between 20 and 40, which is also the age group in which the diagnoses of hepatitis C infection is most common. Becoming pregnant and starting a family can be an exciting time in a couple’s life, and when a person is living with hepatitis C it shouldn’t be any less wonderful. The only time when a woman living with hep C should not become pregnant is while she is on conventional treatment for hepatitis C, so two methods of contraception must to used to prevent pregnancy. This is because the effect of the treatment on developing fetuses is unknown. How will having hepatitis C affect my baby? Around 98% of hepatitis C positive mothers do NOT pass on the virus to their child. Women who are living with both HIV and hep C have a higher risk of passing on hepatitis C to their baby, as do women who acquire the hepatitis C virus while pregnant (due to the initially high viral load). That being said, the majority of babies do not get the hep C virus — and you can enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy. “A friend of mine who had hepatitis C was advised to have an abortion. It can be a scary enough time when you find out you’re pregnant without without being given such stupid information”. - Franie, age 23.2 Is it ok to breastfeed? You are encouraged to breastfeed your baby. Hep C is not in breast milk, and can only be passed on if blood is present. If your nipples become grazed, cracked or How will being pregnant affect my hepatitis C? bleeding, breastfeeding should be discontinued until There seems to be no particular issues in women with they have healed. Your milk supply can be maintained hepatitis C being pregnant. There are a few more by regularly expressing the milk and discarding it. If noticeable symptoms in women with hepatitis C, such only one nipple is damaged, it is ok to feed to baby as the ‘pregnancy itch’ from the extra stress the liver from the undamaged nipple. When your baby starts is under during pregnancy. The changes in a woman’s teething, the risk of damage to your nipples increases. hormones when she becomes pregnant can cause the liver to react differently to the hepatitis C virus. Will my newborn baby have hep C antibodies? Therefore, after the baby is born you will need to have Babies born to mothers with hepatitis C will show your liver function tests repeated. It is normal for the antibodies in their blood until they are about 18 results to show an increase in values, and this may months old. The antibodies are acquired from the readjust as your body returns to a non-pregnant state. mother during pregnancy and do not affect your baby in any way. Having antibodies does not mean your Should I have a caesarean or vaginal birth? baby has contracted hepatitis C or that it has immunity You have the same choices as a woman who doesn’t to hepatitis C. It is recommended that your baby is not have hepatitis C. Talking with your doctor/midwife will tested until 12-18 months of age (or older) and, just as help you decide what is best based on the information in adults, a positive antibody test needs to be followed available (ie. progression of labour and the baby’s up by a PCR RNA test to determine if the virus is health). Some procedures may be changed or avoided actually present. Babies, again like adults, have a 25% during the birth (ie. avoiding the use of scalp electrodes chance of naturally clearing the virus and, like adults, or forceps), but these will be explained to you and you will always show antibodies for the virus. can talk about it with your midwife or doctor. 4¤ Image by Bethany Brown copyright © 2011. Available under a Creative Commons license from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bethykae/3377899114/sizes/l/ FEATURE Hepatitis B Most people living with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms. As an expecting mother you should have already been tested for hepatitis B, as without medical intervention a positive mother is likely to pass it onto their child during birth. As a woman living with hepatitis B, it is best to plan your pregnancy with your doctor as there are options available to reduce the risk of transmission to the future baby. For example, lamivudine is safe to use during pregnancy. If a woman is on treatment for chronic hepatitis B and becomes pregnant, she must tell her doctor immediately. How will having hepatitis B affect my baby? hepatitis B infection should not cause any problems for you or your unborn baby during your pregnancy. Whether a woman was diagnosed with hepatitis B during antenatal screening or is considering starting a family, they should talk with their hepatitis specialist. In more than 90% of cases, transmission can be prevented with simple interventions at birth. In addition, it is recommended to completely abstain from alcohol. has advanced liver disease or cirrhosis it may be recommended by their hepatitis specialist to take oral antiviral therapy to reduce the chance of a flare. Should I have a caesarean or vaginal birth? For both mother and baby, a vaginal birth is usually preferred as it is the least traumatic. A caesarean is usually performed when there is a medical reason for doing so — and living with hepatitis B or C is not a medical reason for a caesarean. Talking with your doctor Usually, hepatitis B is transmitted during delivery with and/or midwife will help you decide what is best based exposure to the blood and fluids during the birthing on the information available (such as progression of process. labour and the baby’s health). Some procedures may be changed or avoided during the birth (ie. avoiding As such, when your baby is born he/she should receive the use of scalp electrodes or forceps), but these will hepatitis B immune globulin at birth and the first dose be explained to you and you can talk about it with your of the hepatitis B vaccine. If these two medications midwife or doctor. are given correctly within the first 12 hours of life, a newborn has more than a 95% chance of being Is it ok to breastfeed? protected against a lifelong hepatitis B infection. You are encouraged to breastfeed your baby. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risk Your baby needs to receive the second and third dose of acquiring hepatitis B, which is minimal. In addition, of the hepatitis B vaccine at one and six months of age since it is recommended that all babies be vaccinated to ensure complete protection. Lastly, you should have against hepatitis B at birth, any potential risk is further your baby tested between 9-18months old to confirm reduced. that the vaccine was successful and that your baby is protected. Will my newborn baby have hep B antibodies? There are two types of antibodies we’re talking about How will being pregnant affect my hepatitis B? here: those transferred from the mother to the baby The best answer is that it varies. It is important to note (which will persist in the baby’s serum for some time), that all women living with hepatitis B should be referred and those made by the baby. The baby should have antito a hepatitis specialist during pregnancy for their own HBs from the immune globulin administered at birth, health as well as the baby’s. During pregnancy the and will (hopefully) develop their own response from immune system becomes more tolerant, or slightly the vaccine and remain anti-HBs positive. Because the suppressed, and for some women will cause a flare- baby will have the maternal antibodies for some time up after the birth of the baby. The flare may not be after birth, testing for the anti-HBs at least 3 months noticed by the mother, but can be detected on the after the last dose of the vaccine is the only way to LFTs by a rise in the ALT levels. As such, if a women determine an accurate result. References: 1. 2. 3. 4. http://www.hspace.org.au/images/factsheet_pregnancy.pdf Women and hepatitis C. 2007. pp39-42 Hepatitis B Foundation. 2010. Pregnancy and HBV: FAQ. Accessed from http://www.hepb.org/patients/pregnant_women.htm http://www.hepatitis-central.com/hcv/hepatitis/pregnancy.html The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 5 FEATURE Whilst this fact sheet provides general information about Hepatitis B (Hep B) treatment, it is written as an introduction to the medical treatment available for people who have been diagnosed with chronic Hep B and have had treatment offered as an option to them by their attending gastroenterologist, hepatologist or infectious diseases physician. Medical treatment is NOT recommended for all people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. Treatment for Hepatitis B What is the aim of medical treatment of hepatitis B? The piece can then be looked at under a microscope and the amount of inflammation and scarring assessed. The aim of medical treatment is to stop the virus being active and replicating (multiplying) in the liver. What are current medical If the amount of virus decreases due to treatment treatments and what do they then the immune system may be able to overcome do? and inactivate the virus. This prevents further liver Currently in Australia there are five drugs available damage and reduces the risk of developing chronic for the treatment of chronic Hep B. The two main liver disease or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver drugs are: Pegylated Interferon, often referred to cancer. as Peginterferon and Lamivudine. Adefovir (ADV) is the third drug approved for use in Australia but is Who should have treatment only approved for use in people who have become resistant to Lamivudine. Other types of treatment for hepatitis B? About 95% of adults who contract Hep B will clear may sometimes be used in clinical trials. Newer drugs the infection by themselves and will not need medical are Entecavir and Tenofevir. treatment. However, some people who develop chronic Hep B - that is when the virus is not cleared after six months, symptoms of liver disease are present and the virus is active (i.e. multiplying in the liver) may require treatment. They should be referred to a gastroenterologist, hepatologist or infectious diseases physician for assessment. How can you get treatment in Australia? In Australia, treatment is free and available at major hospitals through a liver or hepatitis clinic. To qualify for treatment, people must have had Hep B for at least six months; their blood tests must show that the liver is being damaged and that the virus is active. Most people will also need to have a liver biopsy, which involves a very small piece of liver being taken out with a needle. 6 ¤ Before commencing treatment you may be asked to consent for blood tests for HIV and Hepatitis C as some treatment options may interfere with treatment for these infections and there is a small chance they may also be present. Hepatitis A vaccine may also be recommended as well as advice concerning the vaccination of family members and lifestyle changes regarding alcohol consumption and stress management. What is Peginterferon? Interferon is a protein naturally produced in our bodies to fight viruses by boosting the immune system. The medication is a synthetic reproduction of the naturally produced Interferon. Whilst boosting the body’s own immune response, Interferon also interferes with the virus’s ability to multiply. FEATURE Peginterferon is given as an injection under the skin once a week for six to 12 months. Most people can learn to give the injection to themselves at home. About 35% of people with chronic Hep B who have Peginterferon achieve long term benefit. Blood tests in these people show that the virus has stopped multiplying and liver function is normal. Sometimes after treatment ceases, the benefits increase. These benefits include improved liver function as demonstrated by blood tests and a reported decrease in the severity of symptoms. Liver inflammation may get worse for a short time when the treatment is working. This is called a “Hepatitis B flare.” Sometimes this “flare” will clear the virus and the person will not get any more liver damage or problems from the virus. What are the side effects? The most common is “flu-like symptoms”. This can include fever, sweats, muscle/ joint pain and headaches. Usually simple pain relief like paracetamol (eg. Panadol) every four hours while the symptoms last will help. Symptoms are usually worse at the beginning, and may go away during treatment. They will not come back after the end of treatment. Depression and mood changes are another common side effect. These can occur in people who have not had any mental health problems. Support from a counsellor or antidepressant medication may be recommended. These problems usually settle down as soon as the treatment is stopped. Other side effects include changes in blood cell counts, hair loss or thinning, thyroid problems and weight loss. Most of these will go away after the treatment is stopped. Due to the side effects, it is very important that people who are having Peginterferon treatment attend clinic appointments and have regular blood tests. Most side effects will get better once treatment is stopped. Sometimes the dose of Peginterferon has to be lowered, or treatment stopped for a short time, until the blood tests return to normal or the side effects are reduced. What is Lamivudine? Lamivudine is an oral antiviral medication that is used to treat Hep B. An antiviral medication is a substance that destroys a virus or suppresses its replication. Lamivudine stops the virus from multiplying, which means that it will stop damaging the liver. It is given every day for at least one year, as a tablet. Whilst on treatment, most people taking Lamivudine will have tests showing decreased activity of the virus with liver function tests returning to normal levels. Approximately 20% - 30% of people will have longterm benefit after taking Lamivudine for one year. Treatment can be continued for more than two years, if required. Taking Lamivudine for longer than one year will increase the likelihood of long term benefit. What are the side effects? Lamivudine is usually well tolerated. If side effects do occur, the most common include headaches, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort or pain, feeling tired, and nausea (feeling “sick”). Most of these side effects will not last long and may go away even when the person is still taking treatment. Treating doctors should always be informed of any side effects experienced whilst on treatment. Whilst Lamivudine can be effective, the virus will become active again if treatment is ceased too early. Therefore, people taking Lamivudine should not stop taking it without talking to their doctor first. Sometimes the Hep B virus can become resistant to Lamivudine. The longer someone takes Lamivudine, the more chance they have of developing resistance. This means that it will not work as well as before and usually a new drug like Adefovir will be used. What else is available? [ed.] In the next article on hepatitis B treatment we will look at other drugs available, such as Adefovir, Entecavir and Tenofevir. This Fact Sheet has been reprinted with permission from the HIV, Hepatitis & STI Education + Resource Centre. The unabridged version is available from http://www.hivhepsti.info/ A revised version of this Fact Sheet will be available on the website within the next three months. Keep an eye out for it! The updates will also be published in an upcoming edition of the CFiles. The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 7 HepatitisWA Hepatitis Awareness Day 2011 As of 2011 World Hepatitis Day will be held on Thursday the 28th of July. Awareness Day has been realigned with this date to commemorate the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus, and subsequently the hepatitis B vaccine. ts n a r G unity Comm an dinating r o o c in tions organisa y it n u m 11. rt com h July 20 to suppo t 8 g 2 in e d h n t u rsday ived f Day, Thu has rece s ) c ti ti In ( a p A e W orld H Hepatitis round W a r o n o activity rants munity G m o C e h t ctives of o: Key Obje relation t in C s ti epati s ness of h ention awarenes e r a festyle w a e v is atments pre healthy li e r g a t in t g s u in • To ra a o e in b r ainta • inc eness a tion on m anisations a ing awar c s u a e d r e n c o e in • inati al org provid ween loc f HepatitisWA ing discrim hepatitis C and t c e u b d s e r ip h • es o rtners g with the servic ople livin borations and pa d e n p a t y r it o . n p p r commu uly, 2011 row colla J • To su u g o h d t y n 8 a in 2 s p – velo Day ervice • To de Hepatitis ofile of s r p , Viv ld r e o h t W e , as act Riana y to t it n o im c x e o • Incre s r se p , plea s further within clo t r n o a , r n g o e uss th ould fall e to disc k li Events sh ld u o s or w question y n a e v a If you h 27 9800. 2 9 ) 8 0 ( on or Frank 8 ¤ ‘Note’ image by tijmen van dobbenburgh © 2011. Available from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/461979 HepatitisWA HepatitisWA will be coordinating a range of events on or around World Hepatitis Day, including hepatitis presentations in the community and workforce, a youth photo-essay exhibition (Street Shot), and displays at the HepatitisWA office on Beaufort St. A two hour Workforce Development workshop on Hepatitis C will be held in Perth for health professionals, providing education on workplace issues, prevention and transmission, pre- and post test discussion, treatment, living with hepatitis, co-morbidity issues (for Alcohol & Other Drug and Mental Health workers), psycho-social issues, and referral pathways. This will be a great opportunity for people in the industry to brush up on their hepatitis knowledge. Contact us on 9227 9802 to find out more. In addition, for the first time, we will be holding a presentation about Hepatitis B for members of the community who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people who provide services for them. An event will be organised for people living with hepatitis, for people who are interested in finding out more information and support about living well with viral hepatitis. Love Your Liver lunches will be run again this year, where members of the community can get a group together and host a liver-friendly lunch. Posters, invitations and recipes can be found at the website, www.loveyourliver.com.au. From the website, people can also use Everyday Hero to register a lunch, invite guests, make donations and even keep a tally of donations. Lastly, everyone is welcome to visit the HepatitisWA office. We will be giving out free hot soup during World Hepatitis Day, July 28th, from 10am - 2pm. The soup will be made from a liver-friendly recipe: perfect as a midwinter warmer! Street Shot is a health promotion initiative in partnership with a range of youth organisations. 2011 will be the second year of street shot in WA. This project will work with young people through specific youth organisations to create a photo essay focusing on issues associated with viral hepatitis and blood awareness. This will be achieved by exploring ‘Rites of Passage’, risky behaviours and ways of keeping safe. The key health messages will be captured in images by the participating youth. Contact us for exhibition dates and times. The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 9 RESEARCH UPDATES y a M s t n a i r a V e n e G g n Spotti t n e m t a e r T C s i t i t a p e H t s o Bo Scientists have pinpointed two gene variants that protect hepatitis C patients from the anaemia that can be caused by antiviral treatment. The findings are detailed in two studies in the February 2011 issue of the journal Hepatology. The ability to identify patients with the two variants in the inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene will help ensure that antiviral therapy is completed and the hepatitis C virus is eliminated, the researchers say. In one study, Italian researchers looked at 238 HCV patients treated with the antiviral drugs and found that the two ITPA variants were strongly associated with protection from anaemia. Alessandra Mangia, M.D., from Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital in Italy, and colleagues evaluated the association between ITPA variants and anaemia in a cohort of 238 Caucasian patients treated with variable pegIFN and weight-based doses of RBV. The research team found that the ITPA variants were strongly and independently associated with protection from anaemia, but did not provide an increase in sustained virological response. “When anaemia develops only four weeks after the start of treatment, physicians are required to immediately reduce ribavirin dosages. This early reduction will affect the overall duration of treatment which, with the combination of pegIFN and RBV, lasts 24 weeks for patients infected with HCV genotypes two and 3 (G2/3) and 48 weeks for patients with HCV genotype one (G1) infection. “Currently, only the use of the drug erythropoietin (EPO)—an expensive drug that due to its high cost cannot be reimbursed in several countries—might prevent unsuccessful antiviral treatment in these cases,” explained Dr. Mangia. “Our findings demonstrated that ITPA variants are strongly associated with protection from week four anaemia and help us in selecting in advance who 10 ¤ will need early ribavirin dose reduction and possibly supportive EPO treatment. “This may lead to a more rational use of economical resources and to an individualized use of supportive EPO treatment,” concluded Dr. Mangia. “Patients with a genetic profile that included the two ITPA variants may be safely administered higher doses of RBV, increasing the likelihood of HCV elimination after treatment—an important finding given that to achieve viral clearance high dosages of RBV need to be used in the early phases of treatment.” A related study by Japanese scientists found similar results in 61 patients with HCV. In this series of experiments led by Fumitaka Suzuki, M.D., from Toranomon Hospital in Japan, patients received a triple therapy of pegINF, RBV and the protease inhibitor, telaprevir. Dr. Suzuki and colleagues found that ITPA variants impacted blood levels; however a sustained virological response could be achieved with careful monitoring of anaemia and prompt adjustment of RBV dose. The authors suggest that future investigation of the influence of ITPA gene variants on RBV-induced anaemia are needed on larger scales and on patients of various ethnicities. This article originally appeared in the Hepatitis C Community News #51, and can be accessed online at www. hepccouncilsa.asn.au. Reprinted with permission from the Hepatitis C Council of South Australia. Background pattern by Billy Frank Alexander © 2011. Available from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1320263 LIVING WELL ANZAC biscuits recipe Ingredients 125g butter 2 Tbsp golden syrup, treacle or honey 1 tsp baking powder 1 Tbsp hot water 1/2 cup coconut 1/2 cup sugar (brown for a richer, chewier biscuit) 1 cup rolled oats 3/4 cup plain flour METHOD 1. Melt butter and golden syrup in a saucepan large enough to mix all ingredients, cool slightly. 2. Dissolve baking soda in water and add to the saucepan with coconut, sugar, rolled oats and flour. Mix well. 3. Place rounded teaspoonsful of mixture on a greased oven tray, allowing room for spreading. 4. Bake at 180° C for 15 minutes or until golden. Makes 24. Variations: Add sultanas and/or chopped walnuts or peanuts for a fun twist on a family favourite. ‘Poor Man’s Kingston Cream’ - Make Anzac biscuits smaller and a slightly dryer mix by using more flour. Then sandwich cooked biscuits together with the chocolate cream (see below): Chocolate Cream 1 cup (150g) Dark chocolate melts 1/4 cup (60mL) cream 1. Combine ingredients in a small heatproof bowl, stir over pan of simmering water until smooth. 2. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until spreadable. Image by Michael Verhoef, copyright © 2011. Available under a Creative Commons license from http://www.flickr.com/photos/nettsu/4555506269/sizes/l/in/photostream/ The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 11 WASUA The Story WASUA’s Dedicated Domain (My journey 12 ¤ I was fourteen years old when I ran away from home. My family had migrated from Europe to Australia when I was five years old. From all appearances, I came from a good family and home structure. My parents were strict and overly protective but at the same time they were loving and wanted only the very best for their children. Academically, I was a high achiever and in sports usually one of the best in the school. Regardless of all my achievements, I was always petrified to bring my report card home. I believed I could never live up to their expectations, that I would never be good enough. I became extremely angry, angry at being threatened, getting hit and grounded. My parents had always maintained that the lowest scum on the earth, dirtier than the mud inside a gutter was a drug-taking prostitute. I hated them for their arrogance. When I ran away, I promised myself that regardless of what happens, I would never, ever go back home. I was 12 the first time I used heroin. I’d never even been drunk before; smack was the first drug that I’d ever tried. I’d talked a friend into giving me some in exchange for the money she needed to “get on”. Because she was hanging out and desperate she consented. I know she only gave me a small amount but it was enough to send me into convulsive spurts of vomiting. I didn’t like it and thanked the stars that my parents never found out. I didn’t touch it again for two years. As opposed to the 80’s, before Hepatitis C was even known about and people were catching the virus through blood transfusions, school in the 90’s involved a better degree of education. Although I was taught to believe that a girl would get pregnant if she had sex without a condom, I was taught the basics of blood-born-viruses; never share your toothbrush, razors or god-forbid, your needles. Always use a condom. That was about the extent of my knowledge base when I left school at the end of year ten. I started using as soon as I left home. I tried cocaine, speed, pot. I loved benzo’s and used them in excess but my favourite drug was heroin. A year later I had a habit and met my first real boyfriend. He moved into my flat almost straight away. My main purpose, my only purpose in life, was heroin and together we shared a drug-filled existence that today feels like a blur to both of us. Against his wishes, I started working in brothels, something that I’d done previously before I met him. I was lucky to be introduced to a madam who knew how old I was and had no problems hiring me anyway. It would be our little secret. I knew that I’d always be relatively safe working for her. I was never left alone in the building with a client and if they started getting heavy-handed or refused to wear a condom I would get them kicked out. It was during this period that I heard about WASUA and I started going there to buy condoms and exchange my fits. During the first three years of drug use I never shared a needle. My boyfriend and I were always stocked up with cleanies. We were both vigilant, being as safe as one can be when using IV. I believed that as a prostitute and injecting drug user, I had a responsibility to get tested regularly. Blood tests every six months and pap smears once a year. I never caught anything but at the same time my boyfriend and I didn’t really associate with many drug-user’s. At 16 I came into contact with Next-Step, initially to do a rapid detox and get onto the methadone program. When I decided to jump off the program, some 6 months later because I wanted to use heroin, I was put into contact with Next Step Youth Services that had just opened. I can’t praise them enough for their work. They saved my life on numerous occasions, something I wasn’t happy about at the time but am grateful for now. I was 17 when the heroin drought hit Perth. It was as if, from one day to the next, supplies had shrivelled and dried up completely. A total smack in the face but - not the enjoyable kind! Desperation hit like a plague, infecting dealers and users from all levels of the spectrum. As if by some twisted and ironic pre-determined fate, ‘Ice’ hit the streets, seemingly shovelled in by the truck load. Desperate for anything to stop hanging out, anything to fill the nightmarish darkness, the bottomless pit which once upon a time had housed my soul, I turned to “ice”, the only thing available. I’d never heard of psychosis, or rather, never believed it would be something that could happen to me. With every hit, I still anticipated that down-town feeling, that feeling that only smack can provide, and with every hit I lost another layer of the cocoon I’d wrapped myself up in. I was suddenly totally alone, naked and vulnerable. Silence only filled the gaps from the voices that laughed, tormented me inside of Angelina WASUA with Hepatitis C) and around my head. Heroin, my first and only true lover, had deserted me and with it, so had my reason for living. Three suicide attempts later, I finally gave into my friend’s desperate appeal to give rehab a chance. I found myself amongst a group of highly devoted Evangelical Christians. Although I was a highly motivated sceptic of organised religion, I realised I had nothing left to lose and made a decision to put in the hard yards. I often ran away to relapse during the first couple of months, hoping that to them this would be the last straw and I’d be kicked out. Instead, the coordinator would call me, even come looking for me. Her compassion and the grief that she felt for me rekindled the memory of what it was like to feel loved, to be part of a family. I stayed, and eventually accumulated almost six months of clean time. Eight months into my stay I was asked to look after a girl that had just come in. Trouble was, she was initially courtordered to stay there. Personally, she hated the idea and had no intention of living up to the drug-free restrictions imposed on her by the rehab. She ran away almost daily, at least whenever she used up her stash. One night, after returning from one of her escapades, when we were in our room and all the girls were asleep, she pulled out a bag of speed and offered me a whack. The mere sight of it sent my body into perspiring goosebumps. No, she didn’t have a clean fit, but she’d only used it once and she swears that she’s clean. -Yes, no way would she talk shit, she hasn’t got anything! As for me, craving, apprehensive, shivering, shaking with psychosomatic need, and total desperation, I should’ve run out of that room as soon as she’d pulled out that bag. I didn’t and although one part of me was screaming out retreat, I knew that I wouldn’t. I wasn’t strong enough and at that point I didn’t want to be. I noticed that the screams of resistance inside my mind had gone quiet even before I put the needle in my arm. I was racked with guilt. I was supposed to be responsible. I was meant to look after this girl, keep her away from drugs, be a positive influence. I was fearful that the truth would come out and I would be exposed so a few weeks later I left the rehab to once again ride the merry-go-round. All the while the memory of sharing that needle played and churned inside my mind. It was the one thing I couldn’t run away from. I knew that a blood test would be pointless and that I’d have to wait three months for the window-period to subside. Test results confirmed my deepest fears. Yes, I was Hep C positive or more accurately, I tested positive to the antibodies consistent with the virus. Surprisingly, and luckily, when they tested for the live virus (PCR) my body had cleared itself of the Hep C. The antibodies would always remain present in my blood but the virus was dead. It couldn’t hurt me nor could I pass it on to another person. I was elated. I’d been given a second chance and never ever again would I let this happen again. Six years past, I was still an addict, spending most of my time up-town and using Subutex to ‘come down’. I shared my addiction with my two best friends. Whilst I had access to cheap and mostly free meth, one friend (X) had a car and the other (Y) was on Subutex. When we didn’t have any clean fits and only the one bag to mix up with, X would mix up with his fit, mine would be next and Y would go last. We used a complacent process of probabilities elimination; X was my best friend and ex-boyfriend. I’d known him for years. His blood tests had always come back negative. I was the only person he shared drugs with, so X always went first. Y used drugs with other people. I’d caught Hep C from her needle years ago so, Y went last. Looking back, it was a system doomed to fail but, at the time, it seemed rational. After all, we mainly used clean equipment, we only resorted to this method when there were seemingly no other alternatives. The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 13 Image copyright © Martin Neuhof 2011. Available under a Creative Commons license from http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritman/4370123388/sizes/o/ The Story WASUA (My journey I was picking up my results from a routine pap smear. The doctor looked at me apologetically and said, “I’m sorry but, are you aware that you have Hepatitis C?” No, I wasn’t, I wasn’t aware at all, yet given the risks that I’d been taking, why did it come as such a shock? It seemed like such bad timing. I’d just started a new relationship. My girlfriend was straight- she didn’t take drugs and neither did her friends. She was dead scared of them. I’d told her I ‘used to’ have issues around drugs but that was all she knew. I felt a responsibility, a bit like a duty of care, to inform her of my positive status. I was a carrier. However small the potential of passing on the virus through sex, it still existed. She had a right to be informed and exercise liberty to make up her mind, to decide if this risk was something she was prepared to live with. On the other hand, I would be judged and discriminated against. We were still getting to know each other and I didn’t know if I could trust her to respect my privacy in the matter. In the wrong hands this information could be used as ammunition and if it ever came close to that I could save the hassle by changing my name over to ‘Hepatitis C’ (&proud) I decided it was too early to pull off the rose-coloured shades,complimentary to new romance. I knew I had to tell her, I just wasn’t sure how or when. Firstly, I needed to work out what to do. For the first time in years, I took my heavy burden home to my mother. I couldn’t have been more astounded by her reaction if she’d ripped open her blouse to reveal her ‘Wonder Woman’ suit and armour with special super powers. She put aside our differences and stood beside me, strong enough for the both of us and resolute that, if a cure exists, we would find it. Luckily we only had to go as far as my mum’s G.P. to find answers and get the treatment ball rolling. I realised I knew nothing about living with Hepatitis C and wondered if the doctor that told me about my positive result was just as ignorant as I was. But the doctor specialised in sexual health, surely they must know about strains, genotypes, lifestyle factors and possible treatment options?! I’d walked in to pick up my pap results and walked out with an infectious shadow hovering over my shoulder. That’s all I knew. I was not given a follow-up appointment or referred to someone possessing a higher level of expertise. It was a devastating experience. In contrast, my mum’s doctor had over twenty-five years experience working in men’s prisons. He assured us that treatment was available, arranged another set of bloods to be taken and organised the necessary referrals. Both my parents and I were anxious for me to get started as quickly as possible. Based on my genotype and strain, I was to undergo the Interferon and Ribaviran treatment for twelve months. Throughout the screening process, the issue that kept repeating itself was the need for stability. Treatment had to be considered a full time gig. Study, employment and other types of physically or emotionally taxing commitments would need to be put on hold throughout the year. Environmental stability was most important, so I moved home to my family. I finally told my girlfriend and was pleasantly surprised that she chose to support me through it. It took about six months of testing, waiting, health care appointments and more waiting before everything was deemed in order and I could start. Those twelve months were probably the most difficult months of my life. I suffered more than necessary because I was still using drugs. Recently I was told that taking drugs WASUA provides a number of services on premises at 519 Murray Street, West Perth, including: The WA Substance Users Association have a dedicated section of the Cfiles, aimed at highlighting important services, providing practical information and discussing current issues and trends facing people living with hepatitis C. Perth NSEP Sat & Sun Thurs - Fri Mon - Wed 10am to 4pm 10am to 8pm 10am-12pm, 12.30pm-4.30pm Closed Public Holidays 14 ¤ Clinic Hours Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 4pm • NSEP (Needle and Syringe Exchange Program) • Free hep A and B vaccinations for hepatitis C positive people. • Free blood testing in a friendly confidential environment • Drug treatment support and referral • Peer education and training • Street-based outreach • Advocacy and support for users • Safe injecting and safe disposal education and resources • Hepatitis C/blood-borne virus information and resources For more information: (08) 9321 2877 www.wasua.com.au of Angelina WASUA with Hepatitis C) When I moved back home, I started getting depressed and was always tired. My older brother still refused to talk or acknowledge me for having left ten years ago and I displayed my hurt. I’m sure to him my behaviour just confirmed the reason for his silence. Four months into the treatment, I moved back out of the family home. So much for remaining stable throughout the treatment period! I could go on about the negative symptoms but I’m sure that’s something you can find out yourself. myself up from there. Treatment is something you’ve got to really want to get through because it can be rough. The younger you are the better the chance you can give your body of clearing it. I’m a much stronger person for it. The treatment was tough and I could have given up many times. But I made it! I am clear and am getting on with my life. My treatment was successful. I no longer have Hep C... Here, however, are some positives and there are many positives to having treatment. My treatment successful. was I no longer have Hep C. The antibodies will always show up in my blood but the virus can’t harm me or anyone else. I don’t have to walk with the grim reaper casting a shadow over my shoulder. Completing Interferon was my first real achievement since I left home ten years ago. Before this, I was always attempting without ever finishing anything. WASUA’s Dedicated Domain can greatly reduce the chance of treatment working successfully. It sounds logical to me now but at the time I wasn’t really aware of it. Before I started treatment I was asked if I was still using. My mother was sitting next to me so obviously I said no and regardless, I was keen to get started and scared I’d be rejected if I answered wrongly. Six months after completing treatment, I started my first legal job and have worked The C Files Apr/Jun 2011 ¤ 15 NEWS Fingerprick test for HCV antibodies gets approval for use in the U.S. OraQuick(R) HCV Rapid Antibody Test detects hepatitis C antibodies in whole blood samples. The test provides results in 20 minutes and is more than 99% accurate. OraSure Technologies recently gained approval in the US to use their OraQuick(R) HCV Rapid Antibody Test with fingerprick samples, which originally was only used with venipuncture whole blood. “Receiving FDA approval to test individuals at risk using a finger stick whole blood sample significantly expands the flexibility and versatility of our OraQuick Rapid HCV Antibody Test,” OraSure CEO Douglas Michels said in a news release. “By eliminating the need for a blood draw, healthcare providers will be able to identify more individuals infected with hepatitis C and get them into care.” A positive result should be followed up with a traditional HCV test with a doctor. The presence of HCV antibodies indicates that a person has been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. Therefore, for people who have cleared the virus through treatment or naturally the antibody tests will always show positive results. Only the polymerase chainreaction (PCR) test will confirm whether the person is currently living with hepatitis C. References: 1. Soper, S. 2011. OraSure gets approval for hepatitis C test. The Morning Call, February 22. Accessed from http://articles.mcall.com/2011-02-22/business/mc-bethlehem-orasure-hepatitis-test-20110222_1_hepatitis-c-test-blood-sample-oral-fluids. 2. HIV and Hepatitis. 2010. FDA Approves First Rapid Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Blood Test. Accessed from http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2010/0702_2010_a.html. 3. OraSure Technologies. 2011. OraQuick(R) HCV Rapid Antibody Test. Accessed from http://www.orasure. com. Body Piercing of Young People If people are aware of the new amendments concerning the body piercing of young people, they will know what is required of them when they go to a professional piercer. We encourage using the services of a professional piercer, as young people will be protecting themselves from blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B and C, which can be transmitted by unsterile piercing equipment. The following information is found at the Department for Child Protection website at http://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/ChildProtection/Pages/BodyPiercingOfYoungPeople.aspx AMENDMENTS TO THE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ACT 2004 SECTION 104A BODY PIERCING OF CHILDREN -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------New provisions for the body piercing of children in the Children and Community Services Act 2004 came into effect on 31 January 2011. The Department for Child Protection is responsible for administering this Act. The new provisions on body piercing (under s.104A) prohibit the piercing of a child under 18 years of age in any intimate area (genitals, nipples, anal area or perineum). A person who carries out this type of piercing on a child under the age of 18 can be fined $18,000 and imprisoned for 18 months. It is not a defence to a charge that the child, or a parent of the child, consented to the body piercing. Additionally, a child will require the written consent of their parent for all non-intimate body piercings. Nonintimate body piercing means piercing a part of the body including the nose, tongue, face, belly button or other skin surfaces. A person who carries out this type of piercing on a child without written parental consent can be fined $12,000 and imprisoned for one year. The only circumstances where a child does not need their parent’s consent is for ear piercing if the child is aged 16 years or over. 16 ¤ nks i L y t i n u m m o & C s t c a t n o C l u f e Us Health HepatitisWA Information, support and referrals for people living with or affected by hepatitis. Education for work places, pharmacies, schools or other groups. Participation in community events. Call the Info and Support Line on (08) 9328 8538 (metro) 1800 800 070 (country) www.hepatitiswa.com.au WA AIDS Council provides a wide range of services in the prevention of HIV, and the treatment and care of people living with HIV/AIDS, including a Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP). (08) 9482 0000 www.waaids.com Quit Line Smokers Information & Treatment 13 18 48 Gay & Lesbian Community Services of WA provides a service which allows people to explore homosexuality as it relates to them personally, without judgement or prejudice. Included in this are issues such as identity formation and coming out, and relationship difficulties. (08) 9420 7201 www.glcs.org.au WA Substance Users Association provides services that are nonjudgmental and user friendly. These include a health clinic for BBV and STI testing, hepatitis A&B vaccinations, general health information and referrals, as well as a Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP). (08) 9321 2877 www.wasua.com.au Pregnancy Assistance provides confidential and extensive counselling in the following areas: abortion alternatives, job/study continuation and financial assistance. (08) 9328 2929 www.pregnancyassistance.org.au Magenta-Sex Worker Support Magenta offers support, health services, education and information to female, male and transgender workers in the sex industry. We provide confidential and sex worker friendly services. (08) 9328 1387 NATURAL THERAPIES Australia Natural Healthcare Centre 57/76 Newcastle St, Perth WA 6000 (08) 9228 8828 Australian College of Natural Medicine 170 Wellington St, East Perth WA 6004 (08) 9225 2900 Chinese Medicine & Accupuncture Association of Australia 84 Edward St, Perth WA 6000 (08) 9227 5766 Street Doctor (08) 9347 5488 OTHER Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is an Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation. (08) 9421 3888 www.derbarlyerrigan.com.au Relationships Australia provides relationship support services to enhance human and family relationships. 1300 364 277 LEGAL Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599 Legal Aid WA provides information, advice and other legal help, and assessment for aid grants to cover legal fees. 1300 650 579 1800 241 216 (TTY) www.legalaid.wa.gov.au Aboriginal Legal Service of WA provides legal aid services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Phone: 08 9265 6666 Freecall: 1800 019 900 www.als.org.au The Western Australian Equal Opportunity Commission The anti-discrimination information gateway. 08 9216 3900 (metro) 1800 198 149 (country) www.antidiscrimination.gov.au Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339 Telephone Interpretor Service 13 14 50 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Australia 1800 020 613 Australian Organ Donor Register telephone enquiries 1800 777 203 Medicines Line Australia 1300 888 763 Cancer Council WA Helpline: 13 11 20 These contacts are for information purposes only. HepatitisWA does not guarantee the services listed. HALF FULL or or HALF Need to Talk? EMPTY?? Why not try one of the following supplements to give yourself a boost... Echinacea (1,000mg 120 tabs) $20.00 Strengthens immune system and enhances tissue repair. Livertone (120 caps) Available Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. Ginkgo Biloba (2,000mg 100 tabs) $16.00 St John’s Wort (Hypericum) (60 tabs) $16.00 Helps maintain blood circulation. For the relief of stress, mild depression and viral infections. St Mary’s Thistle (Milk Thistle) (10,000mg 60 tabs) $15.75 Promotes regeneration of liver tissue and detoxifies blood. Super Charged B (100 tabs) $18.60 Promotes stress relief. Sodium Ascorbate Powder (400g) $18.25 Promotes formulation of white blood cells and strengthens immune system. Swisse Men’s Multi-Vitamin (60 tabs) $25.00 Swisse Women’s Multi-Vitamin (60 tabs) $25.00 Mineral and anti-oxident Omega 3 Natural Fish Oil (1000mg) May provide relief from arthritis symptoms and help maintain peripheral circulation. Contact our Support Officer for a chat by phone or visit by appointment. Confidential, free, understanding. $21.00 Liver tonic, aids digestion. Mineral and anti-oxident http://www.flickr.com/photos/trekkyandy/2132345694/sizes/l/ is is your your glass glass 100 tabs $ 7.75 200 tabs $10.75 400 tabs $17.50 Postage by express mail $7.40 for maximum weight of 500g (Please make cheque/money order payable to HepatitisWA (Inc), or visit our office at 187 Beaufort Street, Northbridge (near Newcastle Street). Ph 9328 8538 (metro) or 1800 800 070 (country callers) Image by Ayelie copyright © 2009. Available under SXC image license http://www.sxc.hu/photo/852619 (08) 9227 9806 187 Beaufort St, Northbridge WA [email protected] Does your organisation work with people who are affected by, or at risk of, viral hepatitis? = The ABC of Hepatitis Viral Hepatitis Education and Training HepatitisWA can provide you with FREE education and training for topics such as: • Hepatitis A, B & C • Workplace issues (eg.: Blood spill kits) • Prevention and Transmission • Pre- and Post Test Discussion • Treatment • Living with Hepatitis • Co-morbidity issues (AOD and MH workers) • Workforce Development • Referral Pathways Talk to Matthew today to arrange a workshop: (08) 9227 9806 (metro) OR 1800 800 070 (country)
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