Dasabuvir

Dasabuvir, sold under the trade name Exviera, is an antiviral medication for the treatment of hepatitis C. It is often used together with the combination medication ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir specifically for hepatitis C virus (HCV) type 1. Ribavirin may also additionally be used. These combinations result in a cure in more than 90% of people. It is taken by mouth twice a day for 12 to 24 weeks. Dasabuvir, sold under the trade name Exviera, is an antiviral medication for the treatment of hepatitis C. It is often used together with the combination medication ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir specifically for hepatitis C virus (HCV) type 1. Ribavirin may also additionally be used. These combinations result in a cure in more than 90% of people. It is taken by mouth twice a day for 12 to 24 weeks. Common side effects include trouble sleeping, nausea, itchiness, and feeling tired. It is not recommended in those with liver failure but appears okay in people with kidney disease. While there is no evidence of harm if used during pregnancy, it has not been well studied. It should not be used with birth control pills that contain ethinylestradiol. Dasabuvir is in the HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor class of medication. Dasabuvir was approved for medical use in 2014. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. In the United States, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration only for use in combination with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir. In the United States, this combination sold as Viekira Pak, costs 83,319 USD for 12 weeks and 166,638 USD for 24 weeks. As of 2015 the ability to get these medications in many areas of the world is poor. Dasabuvir is used in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C infection. It is used in the following HCV subtypes: genotype 1a, genotype 1b, genotype 1 of unknown subtype, and genotype 1 mixed infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.