What Type of Drug Is Ombitasvir?

Ombitasvir is an antiviral hepatitis C drug that is used as a combination drug containing dasabuvir sodium dihydrate, paritaprevir, and ritonavir under the trade name Viekira Pak

Ombitasvir is a direct-acting antiviral drug that is used to treat hepatitis C. The medication acts as a hepatitis C virus inhibitor and is a dipeptide derivative. It is mostly used as a combination drug containing dasabuvir sodium dihydrate, paritaprevir, and ritonavir under the trade name Viekira Pak, which is FDA-approved.

Ombitasvir works by inhibiting the NS5A protein, which helps in the replication of the hepatitis C virus. The ability to inhibit NS5A protein is low in other classes of direct-acting antiviral drugs. Therefore, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend ombitasvir as the first-line of the drug in combination with other antiviral drugs, such as paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir.

Ombitasvir is bound 99.9 percent to human plasma proteins and metabolized mainly by amide hydrolysis and CYPC28-mediated oxidative metabolism. The drug is mainly excreted in feces (and very little in urine).

The contraindications for ombitasvir include

• The drug may cause hepatic toxicity in people with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
• It should not be given along with other drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance, and for which elevated plasma levels may lead to serious toxicity.
• When ombitasvir is given along with potent inducers of CYP3A and CYP2C8, its efficacy diminishes.
• If ribavirin is used along with ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir, the contraindications of ribavirin may interfere with the treatment regimen.

The side effects of ombitasvir are very minimal, including headache and fatigue. The lack of side effects is the major advantage of ombitasvir.

Viekira Pak is a combination medicine that contains two different tablets.

• One tablet contains three medications (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir), whereas the other tablet contains dasabuvir. Viekira Pak is usually used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and viral infections of the liver.
• Ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir usually work by reducing the hepatitis C virus in the body, helping fight against the infection, and boosting the recovery of the liver. Ritonavir boosts the levels of paritaprevir, making it work more effectively.
• Viekira Pak can be used as a combination drug with ribavirin.

Follow your health-care provider's medication guidelines, which may include the following:

• Take the medication orally (usually daily), once in the morning.
• Avoid skipping any of the doses.
• Take it at the same time every day to ensure the drug's effectiveness.
• Even if the symptoms disappear, do not stop taking the medication.
• Complete the entire course of medicine as prescribed by your doctor to avoid reinfection.

The drug is contraindicated for

• People with hepatitis B virus reactivation
• People with moderate to severe hepatic impairment
• People with abnormal liver function tests
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Pediatric use
• Elderly people

Viekira Pak has a few side effects, but the benefits outweigh the side effects. The following are the side effects of Viekira Pak:

• Weakness
• Nausea
• Itching
• Sleep disturbances
• Rashes (not too serious)
• Allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Visit your doctor in case of severe complications caused by the drug.

If someone overdoses and has serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulty or passing out, immediately call poison control centers and take medical help.

If any doses are missed, take them immediately with food soon after you remember. If it is near to next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take double doses.

The drug should be stored carefully at room temperature. Keep it away from moisture and heat and out of the reach of pets and children.

There are no food restrictions and you can take a normal diet while taking this medicine.