This medication is a combination of glecaprevir and
pibrentasvir and is used to treat chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C, a
viral infection of the liver. Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir work by reducing
the amount of hepatitis C virus in your body, which helps your immune
system fight the infection and may help your liver recover. Chronic
hepatitis C infection can cause serious liver problems such as scarring
(cirrhosis) or liver cancer.
It is not known if this treatment can prevent you from
passing the virus to others. Do not share needles, and practice "safer sex"
(such as the use of latex condoms) to lower the risk of passing the virus
to others.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this
product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by
your doctor, usually once every day. Children's dosage is based on
weight.
If you are using the pellet form of this medication,
first place about 1 to 2 teaspoons of soft food in a container. Use soft
foods that will stick to a spoon (such as peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut
spread, cream cheese, thick jam, or Greek yogurt). Do not use any foods
that are solid, watery, heated, or frozen. Gently shake the packet, then
tap to make sure the pellets fall to the bottom before opening. Cut open
the packet(s) and pour the dose into the container of soft food. Gently mix
and give all of the dose right away. The mixture should be taken within 15
minutes without chewing or crushing. Chewing, crushing, or waiting to give
the dose may make this medication taste bitter and not work as
well.
For the best effect, take glecaprevir/pibrentasvir at
evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same
time every day.
The length of treatment is based on your medical
condition and other treatments you may have used before taking this
medication. Continue to take this product for the full length of time
prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a short time. Stopping the
medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
See also Warning section.
Tiredness, headache, or nausea may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this product has been prescribed because
your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of
side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side
effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to glecaprevir or pibrentasvir; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other liver problems (such as hepatitis B, liver
cancer)
- overuse of or addiction to alcohol
- HIV infection
- diabetes
If you have diabetes, your blood sugar may be lower with
hepatitis C treatment. This can increase your risk of low blood sugar, so
your doctor may adjust your diabetes treatment plan. Tell your doctor right
away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating,
shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling
hands/feet.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (such as prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially vomiting.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if the medications in this product pass
into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include certain "statin" cholesterol drugs (such as
atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), among others.
Other medications can affect the removal of this product
from your body, which may affect how this product works. Examples include
cyclosporine, efavirenz, HIV protease inhibitors (such as atazanavir,
darunavir), rifampin, certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as
carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), St. John's wort, among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this product with others.
Lab tests (such as liver function, tests for hepatitis B
and C) should be done before you start using this medication, while you are
using it, and after completing treatment. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is within 6 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original package at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not open the packets until you are ready to use
the medication. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.