Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir

Combination antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir is a fixed-dose combination antiviral medication used in the treatment of hepatitis C, a viral infection that affects the liver. This combination is marketed under the brand names Viekira Pak and Technivie.

Medical uses

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir is primarily indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, specifically genotypes 1 and 4. It is often used in combination with dasabuvir and sometimes with ribavirin to enhance its efficacy.

Mechanism of action

The combination of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir works by targeting different stages of the HCV life cycle:

• Ombitasvir is an NS5A inhibitor that interferes with the viral replication process.
• Paritaprevir is an NS3/4A protease inhibitor that prevents the cleavage of the HCV polyprotein, which is essential for viral replication.
• Ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic enhancer by inhibiting the CYP3A enzyme, thereby increasing the plasma concentration of paritaprevir.

Side effects

Common side effects of this medication combination include fatigue, nausea, itching, and insomnia. More serious side effects can include liver problems, especially in patients with underlying liver disease.

Contraindications

This medication is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment and in those who are taking medications that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious adverse events.

Drug interactions

Due to the presence of ritonavir, a potent CYP3A inhibitor, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir can interact with a wide range of medications. It is important to review all concomitant medications to avoid potential interactions.

History

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 as part of a combination therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C. It represented a significant advancement in the treatment of HCV, offering a more effective and tolerable option compared to previous therapies.

Also see

• Hepatitis C
• Direct-acting antiviral
• Ritonavir
• Dasabuvir