Pamela Anderson first announced that she had Hepatitis C back in 2002, and at that point the diagnosis was a pretty grim one. Now the actress has some pretty great news about the liver disease and her condition…she is finally healed. The 48-year-old actress reportedly tried out a new FDA-approved drug regimen that effectively rid her body of the virus.
Pamela announced the good news on her Instagram account on Friday when she was in Cannes. In addition to sharing the news of her health (accompanied by a naked photo of her throwing back her head in happiness), the former Baywatch star also expressed her hope that everyone would have access to quality, affordable treatment at some point.
“I am CURED!!! – I just found out #nomorehepc #thankyou #blessing #family #prayer #live I pray anyone living with Hep C can qualify or afford treatment. It will be more available soon. I know treatment is hard to get still…#dontlosehope #itworkedforme #thereisacure #love #happy #americanliverfoundation #celebration #Idontknowwhattodo #iwanttohelp #cannes #iloveboats #onthesea #free”
The treatment works by somehow ridding the blood of the virus, and is considered a complete success when there are no traces of the virus in the body three to six months after the drug regime is completed. Pamela also shared that she didn’t experience any side effects from the drugs, which is always a huge consideration when it comes to treatment plans.
Currently the antiviral medications that are needed to wipe out the Hepatitis C virus can cost as much as $1,000 per pill, which is not exactly affordable treatment for most people. At some point hopefully the drug costs will be lowered, as close to 3 million Americans suffer from the disease.
In the meantime, Pamela Anderson can bring hope and awareness to the issue by putting a real face to Hep C, as well as a real-life powerful recovery story.
A photo posted by The Pamela Anderson Foundation (@pamelaanderson) on