Maviret (Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir) is used to treat long-term (‘chronic’) hepatitis C. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

This is an antiviral medicine used to treat long-term (‘chronic’) hepatitis C (an infectious disease that affects the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus), by stopping the hepatitis C virus from multiplying and infecting new cells. This allows the virus to be removed from the body.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking the medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• This medicine should be taken with food.
• Swallow the tablets whole or cut in half.
• Do not chew, crush or break the tablets
• If you vomit less than 3 hours after taking the medication, take another dose.
• If you vomit more than 3 hours after taking the medication, you do not need to take another dose until your next scheduled dose

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you notice this happened within 18 hours of the time you usually take the medication, take the dose as soon as possible, and take the next dose at your usual time. If you notice this happened 18 hours or more after the time you usually take the medication, wait and take the next dose at your usual time. Do not take a double dose (i.e two doses too close together).

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding (remove if not needed)
• You have liver problems other than hepatitis C
• You have HIV infection
• You have a current or previous infection with the hepatitis B virus
• You have had a liver or kidney transplant
• You have a history of diabetes

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Feeling very tired (fatigue), weak or lack of energy
• Headache
• Nausea, diarrhoea

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Some of these side effects include:

• Liver problem: Signs include dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

This medication may cause significant changes to the effects of other medications that you may be taking. Conversely, there are medications that can cause significant changes to the effects of this medication. You should therefore avoid such associated medications, or that dosing of these medications need to be adjusted. Consult your healthcare professionals for further advice on the suitability of this medication with your other medications

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack the medication into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on April 2024