What is Mavyret Uses, warnings & interactions
Complete a free online enrollment application to find out if you’re eligible to pay only $49 per month for your Mavyret medication.
Get started todayMavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) is a combination antiviral medication that is manufactured by AbbVie Inc. It was approved in 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) in adults and children 3 years of age and older.
If your doctor has prescribed Mavyret to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Mavyret is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Mavyret used for?
Mavyret is a combination of an HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor named glecaprevir and an HCV NS5A inhibitor named pibrentasvir. It is indicated to treat adult and pediatric patients 3 years and older with:
- Chronic HCV genotype (GT) 1 through 6 infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A)
- HCV genotype 1 infection in patients who had previous hepatitis C treatment with an HCV NS5A inhibitor or an NS3/4A protease inhibitor, but not both.
How does Mavyret work?
Mavyret has 2 medications that work by attacking two different proteins in the Hep C virus. Glecaprevir is an inhibitor of the HCV NS3/4A protease, which is necessary for viral replication. Pibrentasvir prevents hepatitis C viral replication by blocking the HCV NS5A protein.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Mavyret?
- Tablet: 100mg of glecaprevir and 40mg of pibrentasvir
- Oral Pellets: 50mg of glecaprevir and 20mg of pibrentasvir
Before taking Mavyret
Before taking Mavyret, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, including:
- Hepatitis B virus
- Liver disease or problems other than HCV
- HIV infection
- Liver or kidney transplant
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Mavyret
- Read the Drug Information and Medication Guide that comes with Mavyret.
- Take this medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it. Do not change your dose or stop taking Mavyret without talking to them first.
- Mavyret is taken once a day with food. Your dose of Mavyret will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your age and/or weight.
- If you miss a dose of Mavyret and it is more than 18 hours from the time you usually take this medication, take the missed dose with food right away. If it is less than 18 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time.
Mavyret contraindications
You should not use Mavyret if you have an allergy to glecaprevir, pibrentasvir, or any inactive ingredients in this product. You should also avoid Mavyret if you have moderate to severe liver impairment or are taking atazanavir or rifampin.
Mavyret warnings
- You should have a blood test to check for current or prior hepatitis B virus before starting Mavyret. HCV/HBV coinfected patients should be monitored for HBV reactivation while taking Mavyret and after finishing treatment.
- Serious liver decompensation and failure have occurred with this medication. Monitor for symptoms of liver dysfunction and discontinue if any develop.
Mavyret drug interactions
When Mavyret is taken with other medications, it may change how Mavyret works or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should ask your doctor if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with Mavyret, including:
- Carbamazepine
- Efavirenz
- St. John’s wort
- Direct-acting antivirals
- Atorvastatin
- Simvastatin
What are some possible side effects of Mavyret?
The most common side effects of Mavyret seen in clinical trials include:
- Headache
- Anemia
- Excessive tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Weakness
- Rash
- Depression
Mavyret can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:
- Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, swelling of the face or throat, and shortness of breath)
- Hepatitis B virus reactivation
- Liver problems such as liver failure
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible side effects you experience while taking Mavyret. You can report your adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Mavyret alternatives
Your doctor can prescribe other medications if Mavyret is not right for you. They will vary by factors such as side effects and cost. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
- Rebetol (ribavirin)
- Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
- Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir)
- Vosevi (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir)
- Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir)
Mavyret FAQs
Can you take Mavyret while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is no data available to establish if Mavyret poses a risk to the fetus if used during pregnancy. There were no adverse effects observed during animal studies. It is not known whether this medication is found in breast milk or the effects it may have on the breastfed infant. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
How long does it take Mavyret to work?
According to the package insert, Mavyret cures the majority of patients with hepatitis C in 8 to 16 weeks.
Who should not take Mavyret?
You should not take this medication if you have moderate to severe liver impairment or if you are taking Reyataz (atazanavir) or Rifadin (rifampin).
Can Mavyret cure hepatitis C?
Yes, Mavyret has a success rate of 95% to 99% in curing hepatitis C infection (HCV).
Why should you take Mavyret with food?
You should take Mavyret with food because it helps your body to absorb the medication better.
How much does Mavyret cost?
Currently, there is no generic Mavyret available on the market. The average cost of #84 tablets of Mavyret 100mg/40mg is over $20,000. However, you can save on brand-name drugs like Mavyret through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.