In previous, the treatment of Hepatitis C was very lengthy and was not effective but today medical science has achieved a lot to treat Hepatitis C C Medications. Researchers are looking for new and effective ways and medications to improve the human health conditions. New medications are quite effective with fewer side-effects.
List of Medications
#1. Ribavirin
One of the oldest and general-used antiviral drugs, not specific to a particular hepatitis genotype. Ribavirin stops viruses from replicating and spreading in the body and comes in capsule, tablet, or solution with several strengths (200/400/600 mg).
Brand Names: Rebetol, Moderiba, Copegus, Ribasphere, Ribasphere RibaPak
#2. DAAs (Direct Acting Antivirals)
These oral drugs are a new class of medication used to shorten the length of therapy, attack HCV directly with fewer side effects.
#a. Protease Inhibitor Antiviral Medications (NS3/4A inhibitors)
These medications prevent the infection from spreading caused by HCV and include paritaprevir (for genotype 1), simeprevir (Olysio) (for genotypes 1 and 4) and grazoprevir (for genotypes 1 and 4).
#b. Protease Inhibitors (NS5A inhibitors)
NS5A inhibitors are DAAs agents that target viral proteins and stop the virus from copying itself. It is used when a drug does not help to treat the condition and treat all HCV genotypes. Example:- Ledipasvir, Ombitasvir, Elbasvir, Daclatasvir.
#c. Nucleotide/Nucleoside and Nonnucleoside Polymerase Inhibitors (NS5B inhibitors)
NS5B inhibitors are a class of DAAs agents and may be categorized into 3 classes- Nucleoside active site inhibitors (NIs), Non-nucleoside allosteric inhibitors, and Pyrophosphate analogues. These drugs block a protein called NS5B which is needed by the hepatitis C virus to replicate itself and survive. Examples:- Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and Dasabuvir.
#3. Combination Drugs
There are different medications for hepatitis C according to the genotype (the genes that make up the HCV) of the virus. There are 6 genotypes of Hepatitis C, 1 through 6
For All Genotypes
a.) Daklinza (Daclatasvir and sofosbuvir)
One of the newer drugs, used with sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) to treat hepatitis C genotype 1.
b.) Epclusa (Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir)
It is prescribed for the people who do not have cirrhosis.
NOTE:- Sovihep V Tablets is a combination of Sofosbuvir 400mg & Velpatasvir 100mg and is widely used in India to treat Hepatitis C.
c.) Vosevi (Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir, and Voxilapresvir)
Similar to Epclusa but also includes Voxilapresvir. Recommended for the people who have had previous treatment for hepatitis C that did not work.
d.) Mavyret (Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir)
Prescribed in a fixed-dose of combination and may be helpful for all adults with any chronic hepatitis C genotype.
For Genotype 1:
#1.) Zepatier (Elbasvir and Grazoprevir)
Approved by FDA in 2016. Zepatier is also prescribed with ribavirin for genotype 4 hepatitis C.
#2.) Sofosbuvir and Simeprevir (Olysio)
This combination is sometimes also prescribed with ribavirin.
#3.) Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir (Harvoni)
One of the newest treatments, Doctors may also prescribe ribavirin with Harvoni. Harvoni is used to treat genotype 4 hepatitis C and may include ribavirin. Harvoni is also used to treat genotype 5 and 6 hepatitis C.
#4.) Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, and Ritonavir with dasabuvir tablets (Viekira Pak)
A new group of medicines used to treat genotype 1 hepatitis C.
For Genotype 2:
Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin
Typically recommended to treat genotype 2 hepatitis C, and also used to treat genotype 3 and genotype 4 Hepatitis C.
For Genotype 3:
Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir
Ribavirin is also prescribed with these drugs.
For Genotype 4:
Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, and Ritonavir (Technivie)
Ribavirin may be prescribed with this combination.
For Genotype 5 and 6:
Harvoni is used to treat the infection of Genotype 5 and 6 Hepatitis C.
Almost all hepatitis C medications described here have very high cure rates. So, people should complete their drug therapy and go with a doctor’s advice in order to get the most out of it.