If you’re considering treatment options for hepatitis C, your doctor may suggest Mavyret. Hepatitis C is an infection that’s caused by the hepatitis C virus. It leads to inflammation of your liver.

Some people use the drug Mavyret to treat the disease.

To learn more about hepatitis C and how Mavyret is used to treat it, see the “Is Mavyret used for hepatitis C?” section below.

Mavyret basics

Mavyret is an antiviral medication that contains two active ingredients: glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. It isn’t available in a generic form.

Mavyret is a type of tablets and pellets. Each form is swallowed.

Learn more about how Mavyret works, its uses, and side effects.

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Mavyret manufacturer’s website to learn what cost-saving options it offers.

Mavyret may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Mavyret are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You may be taking other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of Mavyret. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Mavyret can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Mavyret’s patient information.

There have been some mild side effects with Mavyret.

Many drugs can have mild side effects that go away in a few days or weeks. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Mavyret, but they are not common.

If you have serious side effects from Mavyret, you should call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

There have been serious side effects reported with Mavyret.

The “Side effect focus” section gives more information on the side effects.

Side effect focus

Learn about the side effects of Mavyret.

Boxed warning

Mavyret has a boxed warning for the risk of hepatitis B reactivation. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. If you have both hepatitis C and HBV, or have had a hepatitis B infection in the past, Mavyret treatment may cause HBV reactivation.

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus. With reactivation, an inactive virus that’s inside your body flares up and causes symptoms. In some cases, HBV reactivation could cause liver failure and, in some serious cases, death.

During and after treatment with Mavyret, your doctor will monitor you for signs of reactivation of the disease. If you are concerned about the risk of this side effect, talk to your doctor.

There are symptoms of the disease.

  • There is pain in the right side of your body.
  • Dark urine.
  • It is a problem of tiredness.
  • There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever..
  • The appetite has been lost.
  • jaundice (yellowish color of your skin or the whites of your eyes)

What can help?

If you have the disease, your doctor will order a blood test to make sure.

If you have hepatitis B, you’ll likely receive treatment for HBV before you start taking Mavyret. Studies show that treatment for HBV helps prevent reactivation in people at risk for it.

If you have symptoms of the disease, your doctor may order a blood test to check for reactivation. You will need treatment for this condition if you have it. Mavyret may not be safe for you to take.

Ask your doctor for more information about reactivation with Mavyret.

Itching

You may have itchy skin while you’re taking Mavyret. In studies, this was a common side effect in people with chronic (long-lasting) kidney disease.

Keep in mind that itching is also a common side effect of liver disorders, including hepatitis C, which Mavyret is used to treat. Itching can also be caused by increases in your body’s bilirubin levels, which is a possible side effect of Mavyret. (Bilirubin is a yellowish substance produced when blood cells break down.)

What can help?

If you have an itch while you are taking Mavyret, talk to your doctor. They can order blood tests to check your health.

Your doctor can also recommend treatment for the itching. If your itching is mild, these remedies may help relieve your discomfort. But always check with your doctor before using any new medications with Mavyret.

Side effects after stopping Mavyret

Side effects can be caused by stopping Mavyret treatment. These are not caused by the drug.

Some people with cirrhosis (scarring in the liver) due to hepatitis C may have long-lasting symptoms of the condition, such as:

  • jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)
  • feeling weak or confused
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • liver pain, which you may feel in the upper-right side of your belly
  • Bleeding or bruised more easily than usual.
  • There is fluid in your belly.
  • itchy skin

If you have had the disease before, Mavyret may cause a reactivation of the virus. Your doctor will watch you for signs of the reactivation of the hepatitis B virus. They will continue to watch you after you have finished treatment with Mavyret. The section called “Boxed warning” gives more information about this.

What can help?

Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests while you’re taking Mavyret and after you finish treatment.

If you have had serious problems with your body, tell your doctor. If you develop the disease, you will need to be treated. Ask your doctor about the treatment you can get.

If you have the disease, your doctor will order a blood test to make sure.

If you have hepatitis B, you’ll likely receive treatment for HBV before you start taking Mavyret. Studies show that treatment for HBV helps prevent reactivation in people at risk for it.

If you have symptoms of the disease, your doctor may order a blood test to check for reactivation. You will need treatment for this condition if you have it. Mavyret may not be safe for you to take.

Ask your doctor for more information about reactivation with Mavyret.

Itching

You may have itchy skin while you’re taking Mavyret. In studies, this was a common side effect in people with chronic (long-lasting) kidney disease.

Keep in mind that itching is also a common side effect of liver disorders, including hepatitis C, which Mavyret is used to treat. Itching can also be caused by increases in your body’s bilirubin levels, which is a possible side effect of Mavyret. (Bilirubin is a yellowish substance produced when blood cells break down.)

What can help?

If you have an itch while you are taking Mavyret, talk to your doctor. They can order blood tests to check your health.

Your doctor can also recommend treatment for the itching. If your itching is mild, these remedies may help relieve your discomfort. But always check with your doctor before using any new medications with Mavyret.

Side effects after stopping Mavyret

Side effects can be caused by stopping Mavyret treatment. These are not caused by the drug.

Some people with cirrhosis (scarring in the liver) due to hepatitis C may have long-lasting symptoms of the condition, such as:

  • jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)
  • feeling weak or confused
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • liver pain, which you may feel in the upper-right side of your belly
  • Bleeding or bruised more easily than usual.
  • There is fluid in your belly.
  • itchy skin

If you have had the disease before, Mavyret may cause a reactivation of the virus. Your doctor will watch you for signs of the reactivation of the hepatitis B virus. They will continue to watch you after you have finished treatment with Mavyret. The section called “Boxed warning” gives more information about this.

What can help?

Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests while you’re taking Mavyret and after you finish treatment.

If you have had serious problems with your body, tell your doctor. If you develop the disease, you will need to be treated. Ask your doctor about the treatment you can get.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Mavyret. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies, but it can still occur.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, which can be seen in your eyes, lips, hands, and feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Mavyret, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Mavyret that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Forms and strengths

Mavyret is a pellet and a tablet. The drug is swallowed. Each form of Mavyret has two active drugs and one strength.

  • The tablets have 100 and 40 glecaprevir and pibrentasvir.
  • 50 and 20 of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir are in the pellets.

Recommended dosage

The recommended Mavyret dosage for hepatitis C in adults and children ages 12 years and older is three tablets taken once per day.

“Your child’s doctor will determine the dosage for your child based on their body weight.”

The following schedules are followed with Mavyret.

  • If you’ve never been treated for hepatitis C, and you either don’t have cirrhosis (liver scarring) or you have compensated cirrhosis (a milder form), you’ll likely take Mavyret for 8 weeks.
  • “If you have been treated with another medication that didn’t work for you, you might want to take Mavyret for 8 to 12 weeks. Your doctor will make a decision on the length of your treatment.”

Questions about Mavyret’s dosage

There are many questions about Mavyret.

  • What if I miss a dose of Mavyret? If you miss a dose of Mavyret, you can take the missed dose if fewer than 18 hours have passed since you were scheduled to take it. If more than 18 hours have passed, skip that dose and take your next dose at its regularly scheduled time. It’s important to take Mavyret at the same time each day. Missing doses might affect how well Mavyret works to treat your hepatitis C. To help you stay on track with your treatment, consider setting a daily alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone. If you have questions about a missed dose, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Will I need to use Mavyret long term? Your doctor will decide how long to continue your treatment with Mavyret. Treatment typically lasts for 8, 12, or 16 weeks. The treatment duration (how long you take the drug) of Mavyret depends on:
    • If you have a condition of your liver.
    • If you have been treated for the disease.
    • How you respond to treatment.
    • You experience side effects.
  • How long does Mavyret take to work? Studies show Mavyret cures hepatitis C in most people within 8 to 16 weeks when it’s taken as directed. After that time period, your doctor will order blood tests to see if you still have hepatitis C. You’ll need to have a sustained virologic response 12 weeks or more after treatment. This will mean that the virus is no longer seen in your blood and that the Mavyret treatment has worked. Your doctor will decide how long you will take Mavyret.

Your doctor will explain how to take it. They will explain how much to take and how often.

Taking Mavyret

Mavyret is a packet of pellets. Take your dose at the same time each day. You should not chew the tablets or the pellets.

It is important to take Mavyret for as long as is prescribed to ensure you get the best results from your treatment.

Accessible medication containers and labels

“If you can’t read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels.”

  • Have a large print.
  • Use the visual aids.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text into audio.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

“If you have trouble opening your bottles, please let your doctor know. They may be able to put Mavyret in a container. The drug’s container may be easier to open with the help of your pharmacist.”

Questions about taking Mavyret

Some questions about taking Mavyret are common.

  • Can Mavyret be chewed, crushed, or split? No. Do not chew, crush, or split Mavyret tablets or pellets. This may change how well the drug works to treat hepatitis C. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you doctor will likely prescribe Mavyret pellets instead. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for help with swallowing Mavyret if you have trouble. You can also try these tips for swallowing pills.
  • Should I take Mavyret with food? Yes, Mavyret works best when taken with food. Try to take it with the same meal every day to help you remember to stay on schedule.
  • Is there a best time of day to take Mavyret? No, there’s no best time of day to take Mavyret. But you should take it at the same time every day. Doing so will help you to avoid missing doses.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about your treatment plan. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions like:
    • How will Mavyret affect me?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

If you’re considering treatment options for hepatitis C, your doctor may suggest Mavyret. Hepatitis C is an infection that’s caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It leads to inflammation of your liver.

“Adults and children are prescribed Mavyret. The drug stops the virus from making more virus. When the virus can’t be seen on certain blood tests, it’s considered cured.”

There are symptoms of the disease.

  • nausea
  • There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever..
  • Joint pain.
  • The appetite has been lost.
  • jaundice (yellowish color of your skin or the white of your eyes)
  • Dark urine.

There are several genotypes (strains) of chronic (long-lasting) HCV. Mavyret can be used to treat genotypes 1 to 6 in certain people. This includes people who:

“People who have been treated with another type of medication that didn’t work can be treated with Mavyret.”

Ask your doctor if you have questions about Mavyret treatment.

Mavyret and Epclusa are both combination antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. They each contain different active ingredients that work in similar ways to stop hepatitis C from multiplying (making more virus). To learn more about how these medications compare, see this article.

Answers to some questions about Mavyret can be found here.

How long does Mavyret stay in your system?

There are two active ingredients in Mavyret. The drugs stay in your body for different lengths of time.

It takes about 6 hours for half a dose of glecaprevir to be cleared from your body. It takes 13 hours for half a dose of pibrentasvir to be cleared from your body.

“The timing of when you take a dose of Mavyret is important. If more than 18 hours have passed since you were scheduled to take it, you shouldn’t. You should wait until your next dose is due. If you take two doses of Mavyret too close together, you could have serious side effects.”

Does Mavyret cause weight gain or weight loss?

Weight gain and weight loss haven’t been reported as side effects of Mavyret. But liver disease can cause The appetite has been lost. and nausea, which might lead to weight loss. And keep in mind that Mavyret is used to treat hepatitis C, which affects your liver.

In some cases, Mavyret can cause nausea and There is a lot of diarrhea.. If these symptoms are serious, they could also lead to weight loss.

Mavyret works best when it is eaten. If nausea is a serious concern, you should talk to your doctor. They can tell you if you should take the drug with food. They may suggest ways to manage nausea.

Let your doctor know if you have concerns about your body weight while taking Mavyret.

When considering Mavyret treatment, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor.

  • Your overall health.
  • You may have medical conditions.
  • You may take other drugs.

Mavyret interacts with several types of medications. Some interactions can make Mavyret less effective, which means it might not cure your hepatitis C. Other interactions can increase side effects from Mavyret or from other drugs you take with Mavyret.

Let your doctor know if you have any health problems, including the ones that affect the kidneys. Ask your doctor about the benefits of Mavyret and all the other options for treatment of the disease.

Interactions

Taking a drug can affect how it works. These effects are called interactions.

Before you start taking Mavyret, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medication. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Mavyret can interact with a lot of drugs. These drugs are used.

  • Some types of antiviral medications for HIV. Taking some types of antiviral medications for HIV with Mavyret can increase your risk for serious side effects from Mavyret. It may also affect how well Mavyret works for you. Mavyret should not be taken with certain antiviral medications, including:
    • Atazanavir is a drug.
    • The word “Sustiva” is derived from the Greek word for “efficirenz.”
    • ritonavir is a drug used for the treatment of AIDS.
  • Carbamazepine. Taking the seizure medication carbamazepine (Tegretol) with Mavyret can lower the amount of Mavyret in your body. This can affect how well Mavyret works to treat your hepatitis C.
  • Blood thinners. Taking certain blood thinners, such as warfarin or dabigatran (Pradaxa), with Mavyret can change how the blood thinner works for you. This can make your blood too thin or thick and increase your risk for certain side effects, such as blood clots or bleeding. Your doctor may need to order frequent blood tests and adjust the dose of your blood thinner to lower your risk for serious side effects.
  • Certain cholesterol medications. Taking Mavyret with some cholesterol medications called statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), could increase your risk for certain side effects from the statin, such as muscle pain. Your doctor can tell you whether the statin is safe to take with Mavyret. If you can take the statin with Mavyret, your doctor may lower your statin dosage and recommend how best to take the two drugs together.
  • Certain birth control medications. Taking some birth control drugs, such as those containing ethinyl estradiol, can increase your liver enzymes. This can make your liver condition worse. Ask your doctor what forms of birth control are safe to use with Mavyret.
  • Rifampin. Taking Mavyret with the antibiotic rifampin can lower Mavyret’s effectiveness. This means the drug might not work as well to treat your hepatitis C. Doctors typically won’t prescribe Mavyret if you’re taking rifampin. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your treatment plan.

Some drugs that may interact with Mavyret are not on this list. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions.

Other interactions

You shouldn’t use the herb St. John’s wort while you’re taking Mavyret. If you take St. John’s wort with Mavyret, it can lower the level of Mavyret in your body. This lowers Mavyret’s effectiveness in treating hepatitis C.

“If you are considering treatment with Mavyret, you should tell your doctor. They may be able to suggest other options that don’t involve Mavyret.”

Boxed warning

Mavyret has a boxed warning about the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have both hepatitis C and HBV or have had HBV in the past, Mavyret treatment may cause HBV reactivation. This can happen even after you’ve finished your Mavyret treatment. With reactivation, a virus that’s inside your body flares up and causes symptoms. In serious cases, reactivation of HBV could cause liver failure and even death.

If you have had a previous case of the disease, your doctor will order a blood test to see if you have it. After you complete treatment with Mavyret, your doctor will monitor you for signs of reactivation of the hepatitis B.

For more information, see the “What are Mavyret’s side effects?” section above.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Mavyret may not be right for you. Before you take Mavyret, talk to your doctor about your health history. Those listed below are factors to consider.

  • Liver disease. If you have moderate to severe liver problems (Child-Pugh class B or C), be sure to tell your doctor. They may order liver function tests before prescribing Mavyret. The drug may not be safe to take if you have advanced liver disease. In such cases, Mavyret could increase your risk of liver failure or death.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Mavyret or any of its ingredients, your doctor won’t prescribe Mavyret. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Use with alcohol

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Mavyret. Mavyret is used to treat the disease.

If you have a condition that makes you want to drink alcohol, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

“Mavyret is not known if it is safe to use during pregnancies or breastfeeding. There is no information on the drug’s effects when used during a baby’s first year of life.”

Talk to your doctor about the risks of using Mavyret while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not take more than your doctor prescribes. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this.

What to do in case you take too much Mavyret

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Mavyret. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Mavyret is an option for hepatitis C treatment in certain people.

Some people may only get treatment for 8 weeks. This course is shorter than other treatment options. Some people need to be treated for a long time.

Before taking Mavyret, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Ask them what you can expect.

Some questions are suggested to get you started.

  • What should I know about the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation with Mavyret?
  • Is there any alternative therapies for the disease?
  • Will my disease come back after I have Mavyret?
  • What will happen if I take Mavyret without food?
  • How long will I be receiving treatment?

These articles give more information about the treatments for the disease.

Q:

Can I donate blood after my treatment?

Anonymous

A:

“You won’t be able to donate blood after you have been treated for the disease.”

You will still have the same antibodies in your system after treatment for the disease. Antibodies are immune system proteins that fight off infections and may help prevent you from getting diseases a second time. They can show you past infections.

Current regulations in the United States state that blood donors should “be in good health and free from transfusion-transmitted infections.” According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), people who’ve had hepatitis C in the past don’t meet these criteria. And this is regardless of whether the people have hepatitis C infection symptoms.

If you have questions about donating blood, talk to your doctor.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.