elbasvir

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

elbasvir exerts its action by specifically targeting the hepatitis C virus and interfering with the viral life cycle. Its primary mode of action involves inhibiting the activity of the HCV NS5A protein, which is essential for viral replication and assembly. By blocking the function of NS5A, elbasvir helps to stop the virus from multiplying and ultimately reduces the viral load in the patient’s body. This, in turn, helps slow down the disease’s progression and may even lead to a sustained virologic response, effectively curing the hepatitis C infection. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Drowsiness 

Insomnia 

Fatigue 

Headache 

Nausea 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

elbasvir may cause severe liver problems, especially in patients with advanced liver disease. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: elbasvir should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to elbasvir or any of its components. 

Severe Liver Impairment: elbasvir should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of elbasvir during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.It should be employed during pregnancy when the potential advantages outweigh the potential fetal risks. Expectant mothers or those contemplating pregnancy should engage in a conversation regarding this matter with their healthcare professional. 

Use with Certain Medications: elbasvir may interact with various other medications, so you must inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs you are taking before starting treatment. This includes prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: elbasvir is an antiviral agent that belongs to a class of drugs known as direct-acting antivirals.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

It specifically targets HCV by inhibiting the function of the NS5A protein, which is essential for viral replication and assembly. By interfering with NS5A, elbasvir helps prevent the virus from multiplying, thereby reducing viral load in the body. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

elbasvir is orally administered and is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

elbasvir is primarily bound to plasma proteins, and it has a high distribution volume. It has the capability to cross the BBB, which holds significance in its potential for addressing neurotropic viral infections. 

Metabolism 

elbasvir undergoes hepatic metabolism, primarily by the enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).  

Excretion and Elimination 

The elimination of elbasvir is primarily through feces, with minimal renal excretion. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

The specific dosage of elbasvir may vary depending on the patient’s HCV genotype, liver condition, and other factors. Patients should follow the prescribed dosage instructions carefully. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: elbasvir 

Why do we use elbasvir?  

elbasvir is primarily used to treat chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection, a viral infection affecting the liver. It is effective against certain HCV genotypes (strains), including genotype 1 and genotype 4. 

It is typically prescribed in combination with grazoprevir, which is a protease inhibitor. This combination therapy enhances the effectiveness of treatment and helps to prevent the development of drug-resistant HCV strains.