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Viekira Pak Information

Viekira Pak (Dasabuvir Sodium/Omitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir) is used alone or with another medicine called ribavirin to treat adults with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, mainly genotype 1, which is the most common form of the disease. Hepatitis C is a serious viral disease that causes inflammation and damage to the liver, which can lead to life-threatening complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer. It contains four antiviral agents as its active ingredients: dasabuvir sodium, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir. It belongs to a class of medications called direct-acting antivirals. This medicine works by targeting and inhibiting key proteins that the hepatitis C virus needs to replicate, essentially disrupting its lifecycle. Specifically, ombitasvir inhibits the NS5A protein, paritaprevir inhibits the NS3/4A protease, while dasabuvir inhibits the NS5B polymerase. Each of these inhibited proteins is crucial for the virus to make copies of itself. Ritonavir acts as a booster to increase the blood concentration of paritaprevir, making it more effective. This multifaceted attack on the virus helps to reduce its presence in the body, allowing the immune system to clear the infection and prevent further liver damage. This combination therapy is highly effective, with cure rates above 90% in many patients, and represents a significant improvement over older interferon-based treatments, which had lower success.

Viekira Pak Side Effects

Possible side effects of this medicine include nausea, itching, and sleep problems. Contact your doctor if these common side effects persist or worsen. It is worth noting that while this medicine is effective in preventing hepatitis C-induced liver damage, it can, however, cause toxicity and subsequent damage to the liver. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Liver damage with symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, yellow eyes and skin, change in color of stool and urine, and body weakness;
• Low red blood cells

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Viekira Pak Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to the active and inactive ingredients in Viekira Pak or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• History of liver transplant;
• HIV infection;
• Severe liver problems

Check with your doctor regularly while taking this medication, as you may need to do blood tests to check your liver function during treatment. It's best to consult your doctor before taking this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This medicine is not for use in children. Viekira Pak may interact with other medications like alfuzosin, carbamazepine, efavirenz, ergot-containing drugs, pimozide, and rifampicin. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, you are taking before using Viekira Pak to minimize the risk of interactions.

Take Viekira Pak tablets orally with food as prescribed by your doctor. The treatment schedule usually lasts 12 to 24 weeks, depending on your liver condition and past treatments. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and treatment schedule for you. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage instructions. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Viekira Pak?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Viekira Pak.