When your doctor told you that you have Hepatitis C, you were probably prescribed a medication called Mavyret®. This medication may sound a bit complicated, right? It’s a combination of two medications called Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir. In this article, I’m trying to give you clear answers to your questions and fears about this medication. Let’s talk about it simply and in a friendly way.
What kind of medicine is Mavyret®?
Simply put, this is an antiviral drug . Its main function is to kill the Hepatitis C virus in your body. This is a very effective treatment.
But one thing you need to remember is that this medicine has no effect on common viral diseases like colds and flu. That means it should only be used specifically for Hepatitis C.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
For your safety, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health history before starting this medication. Be sure to tell them about any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Because this medicine can affect blood sugar levels. |
| HIV or AIDS | Because interactions between medications are possible. |
| Liver diseases other than Hepatitis C | To change the dosage of the medication or determine if it is appropriate. |
| Any type of allergy | If you are allergic to Glecaprevir, Pibrentasvir, or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby | You should discuss the safety of this medication with your doctor during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | Seek medical advice about whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is also very simple.
- Take these pills with a glass of water .
- The most important thing is that this medicine should be taken with a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach. The medicine is better absorbed by the body when taken with food.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never skip a dose .
- Continue taking this treatment until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop halfway.
Can this medicine be given to small children?
Yes, in some special cases, this medicine is prescribed for children as young as 3 years old. But that is decided by a pediatrician. Therefore, special care should be taken if this medicine is given to a child.
What if I take too much medicine?
Imagine you accidentally took too many pills. If that happens, don't panic, immediately call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
This is something different for many people.
- Take your medicine as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is less than 6 hours until your next dose when you remember, do not take the missed dose. Skip it and just take your next dose at the scheduled time.
- Do not take a double dose of medication for any reason.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
This is a very important part. Mavyret® can interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal products, and herbal supplements).
| Never take Mavyret® with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Atazanavir (a medicine for HIV) | Elagolix (a drug for endometriosis) |
| Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis) | |
| Be especially careful when taking Mavyret® with these (medical advice is essential) | |
| Birth control pills | Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin) |
| Some medications for diabetes (e.g. glipizide, glyburide) | Some medications used for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) |
| Digoxin (for heart disease) | Warfarin (to prevent blood clots) |
| St. John's wort (herbal product) | Other medicines for HIV (e.g. cyclosporine, dabigatran, darunavir, efavirenz, lopinavir, ritonavir) |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about anything you're taking.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: The doctor will ask you to come back for check-ups on a certain date. Go on those dates to check your condition. He will also order things like blood tests for you.
- Be careful with Hepatitis B: If you have had Hepatitis B before, be sure to tell your doctor about it. This is because the Hepatitis B virus, which was inactive when you took this medicine, may become active again.
- Diabetics: If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly while taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to change your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medication.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medicine, this can cause some side effects, but most people don't.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, and feeling lethargic. |
| Symptoms that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Headache |
| Nausea | Feeling very tired (Tiredness) |
How do you protect your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- When disposing of unused or expired medication, ask your doctor if it is okay to throw it in the trash. If so, remove the pills from the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a bag, seal it well, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Mavyret® with a meal . Do not skip any meals.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal products.
- If you experience severe side effects such as yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, or skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop the treatment until your doctor tells you to. Finish the entire course.
- This medicine is only for Hepatitis C. Do not give this to your family or friends.
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