Glecaprevir: 8-Week Hepatitis C Treatment
Glecaprevir is a potent Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) agent used for the treatment of Hepatitis C. It belongs to the class of NS3/4A protease inhibitors, blocking an enzyme essential for viral replication.
Glecaprevir is exclusively used in a fixed-dose combination with Pibrentasvir (trade name Mavyret/Maviret). This combination is pangenotypic, meaning it is effective against all major HCV genotypes (1 through 6). On Unifarm, you can find medications containing this active ingredient.
Indications
- Chronic Hepatitis C (All Genotypes 1–6): In adults and children aged 3 years and older.
- Patients without cirrhosis: Or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A).
- Patients with Renal Impairment: Safe and effective even for patients with severe kidney disease, including those on dialysis.
Dosage and administration
Glecaprevir is always taken in combination with Pibrentasvir. Tablets must be taken orally with food to ensure proper absorption.
Standard Regimen (8 weeks):
- Adult dose: 3 tablets taken once daily at the same time.
- Treatment duration is typically 8 weeks for treatment-naive patients.
- A missed dose can be taken within 18 hours of the scheduled time.
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C).
- Concomitant use with atorvastatin, simvastatin, rifampin, carbamazepine, or St. John's wort (risk of reduced efficacy or toxicity).
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance.
The Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir combination is generally very well tolerated. Possible reactions (mostly mild) include:
- General: Headache, fatigue (asthenia).
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, diarrhea.
- Skin: Pruritus (itching) - rare.
- Side effects rarely lead to discontinuation of therapy.
