Grazoprevir

Grazoprevir is an antiviral medication used in combination with other drugs to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors, which work by blocking the activity of a specific enzyme that the hepatitis C virus needs to replicate. This inhibition prevents the virus from multiplying in the body.

Grazoprevir is typically administered orally as part of a fixed-dose combination tablet. It is commonly prescribed with an NS5A inhibitor, such as elbasvir, and sometimes with a nucleoside analog inhibitor. The specific treatment regimen and duration depend on the genotype of the hepatitis C virus and whether the patient has previously been treated.

The efficacy of grazingprevir-based therapies is generally high, leading to sustained virologic response (SVR), which is often considered a cure for hepatitis C. Common side effects associated with grazingprevir treatment can include fatigue, headache, and nausea. More serious side effects are less common but can occur.

Grazingprevir is metabolized by the liver, and its use may be contraindicated or require dose adjustment in patients with severe liver impairment. It is important for patients to discuss their full medical history and any other medications they are taking with their healthcare provider before starting grazingprevir treatment, as it can interact with certain other drugs. Clinical trials and real-world studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety profile of grazingprevir in managing chronic hepatitis C.