Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection that can lead to serious liver damage. There are about 71 million people all over the world suffering from hepatitis C, and it is one of the leading causes of liver cancer and cirrhosis.

It’s not easy to treat this disease; however, AbbVie, a research-based biopharmaceutical company, has revolutionized the way hepatitis C is treated with its medication, Viekira Pak.

What is Viekira Pak?

Viekira Pak is an antiviral prescription medication that works through a combination of four different medicines, each with a different mode of action. These four medicines consist of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir.

The medicine aims to produce sustained virologic response (SVR) in the patient. SVR means that the hepatitis C virus is undetected and absent from the bloodstream for six months or longer, and this is considered a cure for hepatitis C.

How is Viekira Pak Used?

Viekira Pak is taken orally, and the dosage depends on the stage of liver disease and whether the patient has been treated for hepatitis C before, It usually involves taking a combination of the four medications for a duration of 12 to 24 weeks.

In addition to Viekira Pak, clinicians may also prescribe Ribavirin for specific patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 infection. Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine that prevents the replication of viruses.

It’s mainly used for chronic HCV infection in combination with other antiviral medications.

Viekira Pak Treatment Course and Effectiveness

Viekira Pak is effective in treating different subspecies of hepatitis C virus; however, it may not be effective for patients with stage 4 cirrhosis.

In addition, it is not recommended for patients with liver cirrhosis and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

The effectiveness of Viekira Pak varies depending on the patient’s history and the sub-genotype of the hepatitis C virus.

In general, the medication has been shown to work effectively in treating hepatitis C with a sustained virologic response rate of 90% or better.

It is essential to take the medication as prescribed by a doctor. Adherence to dosage and timing is critical to achieving sustained virologic response.

Side Effects of Viekira Pak

Like any other prescription medication, Viekira Pak has side effects. The common side effects of Viekira Pak are fatigue, itching, nausea, and weakness. The more severe side effects are liver damage and severe allergic reactions.

If you experience any of these severe side effects, you need to contact your doctor immediately.

Note that Viekira Pak can interact with other drugs, such as anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and statins, increasing the chances of side effects. Patients should inform their doctor of the medications they are taking before taking Viekira Pak.

Insurance Coverage of Viekira Pak

Viekira Pak is relatively expensive, with a cost ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 for the whole course of treatment. However, many insurance plans offer coverage, depending on the patient’s plan and geographic location.

The best way to find out about your insurance coverage is to contact your insurance company.

Conclusion

AbbVie’s Viekira Pak has revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C, providing a cure for patients with hepatitis C.

Although the medication may have side effects and is relatively expensive, it is worth the investment since it increases the chances of getting cured of Hepatitis C. With doctor’s prescriptions, patients should ensure they take the medication as recommended and follow up with their doctor regularly.