Grazoprevir is a drug developed by the pharmaceutical company Merck for the treatment of hepatitis C; This drug is usually given in combination with Elbasvir, which belongs to a class of antiviral drugs called HCV NS5A inhibitors. It works by stopping the virus that causes the spread of hepatitis C within the body.
For its part, grazoprevir is a class of drug known as a protease inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body; however, it is not certain whether both (grazoprevir and elbazvir) prevent the spread of hepatitis C to other people.
The combination of both drugs comes in one form (tablets) to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food, once a day; it is best to be at the same time every day.
It is important to note that the intake of these drugs only controls the virus, it does not cure it. The duration of the treatment will be subject to the patient's condition, that is, if the person responds well to the treatment, or if they experience serious side effects.
These drugs, in addition to being used for the treatment of hepatitis C, are also used for compensated cirrhosis. According to studies carried out, patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and compensated cirrhosis are very difficult to treat, since their organisms have a decreased capacity to respond to antiviral treatment. However, in the analysis of the data obtained in several trials, it was found that patients treated with grazoprevir / elbasvir reached a high virological healing rate.
Among the side effects that these medications could cause are: headache, trouble falling asleep, diarrhea. However, some can be serious: weakness, tiredness, yellow eyes and skin, lack of appetite, among others.
It is important that you attend all consultations with your doctor, in this way he will monitor the development of treatment, checking the body's response to grazoprevir / elbasvir. And if you suffer from some of the side effects detailed above, don't hesitate to tell him.
