Uses
The combination of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir is used to treat certain types of chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 99 pounds (45 kilograms). It is also used to treat certain types of chronic hepatitis C infection in adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 99 pounds (45 kilograms) who have already received another medication to treat their hepatitis C infection. Glecaprevir is in a class of medications called HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body. Pibrentasvir is in a class of medications called HCV NS5A inhibitors. It works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C to spread inside the body.
Side Effects Of Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir
Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- tiredness
- weakness
- nausea
- diarrhea
- itching
Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
- sleepiness
- confusion
- swelling of the stomach area
- vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- dark, black, or bloody stools
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking glecaprevir and pibrentasvir:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glecaprevir, pibrentasvir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the glecaprevir and pibrentasvir tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz) or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take glecaprevir and pibrentasvir if you are taking one of these medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol), cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor, in Simcor, in Vytorin); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); dabigatran (Pradaxa); digoxin (Lanoxin); ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptives such as certain (‘birth control pills’), patches, hormonal vaginal rings, and other ethinyl estradiol products; certain hormone replacement therapies (HRT); and certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) including darunavir (Prezista, in Prezcobix), efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), lopinavir (in Kaletra), or ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra); and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have any type of liver disease other than hepatitis C. Your doctor may tell you not to take glecaprevir and pibrentasvir.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or diabetes, or if you have ever received a liver or kidney transplant.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir
The combination of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once daily for 8 to 16 weeks. Take glecaprevir and pibrentasvir at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take glecaprevir and pibrentasvir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take glecaprevir and pibrentasvir even if you feel well. The length of your treatment depends on your condition, if you have previously taken certain HCV medications, how well you respond to the medication, and whether you experience serious side effects. Do not stop taking glecaprevir and pibrentasvir without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
