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Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir is a fixed-dose combination of two direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

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About Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir

Indications of Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir

Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir is a fixed-dose combination of two direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Established (FDA-approved) uses

  • Treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infection in adults and pediatric patients 3 years of age and older, without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A).
  • Treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection in patients who were previously treated with a regimen containing an NS5A inhibitor or an NS3/4A protease inhibitor (but not both).
  • Treatment of HCV infection in patients with chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis (no dose adjustment required).
  • Treatment of HCV infection in liver or kidney transplant recipients.

Regimen selection depends on genotype, treatment history, and cirrhosis status

Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir is prescribed as part of a defined-duration regimen (8, 12, or 16 weeks); see "Duration of Treatment" for details. There are no recognized off-label uses of Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir.

Dosage & Administration of Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir

Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir is taken once daily with food. The dose and duration depend on the patient's body weight (for pediatric patients), HCV genotype, treatment history, and presence of compensated cirrhosis — see "Dosage" and "Duration of Treatment" below. Pre-treatment testing for hepatitis B virus (HBsAg and anti-HBc) is required before starting Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir; see Precautions and Warnings.

Side Effects of Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir

Most adverse effects reported with Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir are mild. The most common (>10% of patients) are:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Other reported reactions (generally <10%) include nausea, diarrhea, and pruritus (itching), the last being reported more often in patients with severe renal impairment. In pediatric patients under 12 years, vomiting, rash, and abdominal pain were reported somewhat more frequently than in adults.

Serious adverse effects are uncommon but include hepatic decompensation/failure and hepatitis B reactivation in coinfected patients — see Precautions and Warnings for details. Seek prompt medical attention for yellowing of the skin/eyes, severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or unusual bleeding/bruising while taking Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir.

Contraindications of Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir

  • Known hypersensitivity to glecaprevir, pibrentasvir, or any component of Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir.
  • Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C), or any prior history of hepatic decompensation.
  • Concurrent use with atazanavir.
  • Concurrent use with rifampin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir

What is Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir used for?

Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir is used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults and children 3 years and older, across all major HCV genotypes (1 through 6), including in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis.

How long do I need to take Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir?

Treatment duration is usually 8, 12, or 16 weeks, depending on your HCV genotype, whether you have received HCV treatment before, and whether you have cirrhosis. Your physician will confirm the exact duration for you.

Can I take Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir if I have liver disease?

Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir can be used in mild liver impairment (Child-Pugh A) without dose adjustment, but it is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) or any history of liver decompensation, because it can raise drug levels dangerously and worsen liver function.

Is Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn't enough human data to confirm safety in pregnancy, so Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the benefit outweighs the potential risk, and only under a physician's advice. It is also not known whether Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding decisions during treatment should be discussed with your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir?

Avoid atazanavir and rifampin, as combining them with Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir is contraindicated. Also inform your doctor about any statins, hormonal contraceptives, cyclosporine, carbamazepine, efavirenz, or St. John's wort you are taking, since these can interact significantly with Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir.

What happens if I miss a dose or stop Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir early?

Missing doses or stopping Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir before completing the full prescribed course can allow the hepatitis C virus to develop resistance and may cause treatment failure. Always take Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir exactly as prescribed and complete the full course, and contact your physician if you miss a dose.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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