Hepatitis C Treatment: Insights on Mavyret, its function, efficacy, and related details
Mavyret, a prescription medication, has been approved by the FDA to treat certain forms of hepatitis C in children aged 3 years and older. This drug, a brand-name antiviral, consists of two active medications: glecaprevir and pibrentasvir.
Mavyret is an oral tablet or oral pellets, prescribed instead of tablets for certain children and for people who have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not available as a generic.
Hepatitis C, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Mavyret works by stopping hepatitis C virus replication and curing the infection in most patients within 8 to 16 weeks, reducing the risk of liver-related complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The long-term health effects of using Mavyret in children are favorable due to effective HCV cure and limited evidence of persistent adverse outcomes after treatment. However, given the recent pediatric approval, long-term surveillance studies are ongoing to fully characterize any rare or delayed effects.
Common side effects reported during treatment include headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, itchiness, and potential allergic reactions. No clear evidence currently suggests serious long-lasting adverse effects after completing the treatment in children.
Mavyret is not a safe option for individuals with a history of liver disease or liver failure, or for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Before starting Mavyret, blood tests are ordered to check for hepatitis B infection.
It is also important to note that Mavyret may cause reactivation of the hepatitis B virus in individuals who have both hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Mavyret should be taken once daily with food.
The cost of Mavyret is based on several factors, including the prescribed treatment regimen, insurance plan, pharmacy, and location.
Hepatitis C can cause symptoms such as fatigue, fever, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes), joint pain, and more. If you suspect you or your child may have hepatitis C, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.
References:
[1] AbbVie. (2021). Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) Tablets, for oral use. Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.mavyret.com/content/dam/AbbVie/us/pdf/mavyret/mavyret-prescribing-information.pdf
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Hepatitis C. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm
[3] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA expands approval of Mavyret to treat children as young as 3 years old with hepatitis C. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-approval-mavyret-treat-children-young-3-years-old-hepatitis-c
[4] World Health Organization. (2021). Hepatitis C. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
[5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Hepatitis C. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/hepatitis-c/treatment/hepatitis-c-direct-acting-antiviral-drugs-daas-and-combination-therapies
Science and healthcare professionals have been actively studying the effects of Mavyret, a prescription medication, in the management of medical-conditions such as hepatitis C in children. Treatment-seekers who complete the 8-16 week Mavyret regimen, which is taken as an oral tablet or pellets once daily with food, can experience significant health-and-wellness benefits, as the drug is approved by the FDA to cure certain forms of hepatitis C in children aged 3 years and older.
