What is telaprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Telaprevir is a man-made antiviral medication that
targets hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar drugs include
simeprevir
(Olysio) and
boceprevir
(Victrelis). These drugs are called direct-acting antiviral agents
because they act directly on hepatitis C virus. They block the replication of
hepatitis C virus in human cells by binding to and inhibiting protease enzymes
that HCV use for reproducing. Inhibiting viral replication reduces HCV viral
load in the body to undetectable levels in some patients. The FDA approved
Telaprevir in August 2011.
What brand names are available for telaprevir?
Incivek (This drug was discontinued by the manufacturer, but will be available until October 2014)
Is telaprevir available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
Do I need a prescription for telaprevir?
Yes
What are the side effects of telaprevir?
Side effects of telaprevir are
- itching,
- rash,
- anal or rectal pain,
- hemorrhoids,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- altered taste senses,
- fatigue,
- and anemia.
Telaprevir can cause serious skin reactions or rash, including Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Telaprevir should be discontinued if serious skin reactions or rash occur.
What is the dosage for telaprevir?
Which drugs or supplements interact with telaprevir?
Telaprevir should not be combined with alfuzosin
(Uroxatral), sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalafil (Cialis) because it can increase
their blood levels, leading to increased side effects from these drugs.
Telaprevir (Incivek) is not combined with carbamazepine (Tegretol),
phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, and St. John’s wort because they
can increase the breakdown of telaprevir and decrease the effectiveness.
Telaprevir should not be combined with lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin
(Zocor) due to increased risk of muscle aches, including rhabdomyolysis.
Telaprevir (Incivek) should be combined with midazolam (Versed) and triazolam
(Halcion) because of increased risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
Telaprevir (should be used with caution with HIV medications like atazanavir
(Reyataz), ritonavir, (Norvir), darunavir (Prezista), fosamprenavir (Lexiva),
efavirenz (Sustiva), and lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) because it leads to
fluctuating levels of telaprevir and the HIV medications, leading to decreased
effectiveness.
Telaprevir should be used with caution with arrhythmia medications because
the combination can increase the risk of irregular heart rate and rhythm.
Telaprevir (Incivek) should be used with caution with antifungal medications
like ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and posaconazole (Noxafil);
antibiotics erythromycin (Erythrocin) and clarithromycin (Biaxin);
immunosuppressant medications like cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune),
tacrolimus (Prograf), and sirolimus (Rapamune). Telaprevir can slow the
breakdown of these medications and increase their levels in the body, leading to
increased side effects and toxicity.
Telaprevir should be used with caution with warfarin (Coumadin) because
telaprevir can increase or decrease warfarin (Coumadin) breakdown, increasing or
decreasing the effect of warfarin.
Is telaprevir safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Telaprevir is combined with ribavirin and peginterferon alfa which
cause fetal harm and birth defects if used in
pregnant mothers or in male
partners of women who are pregnant. Female patients of childbearing potential
and their male partners as well as male patients and their female partners must
use two effective contraceptive methods during treatment and for 6 months after
treatment. Female patients should have monthly
pregnancy tests during treatment
and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
It is not known whether telaprevir enters
breast milk;
therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers. To
avoid any potential risk to the newborn, a decision must be made to discontinue
nursing or to discontinue the drug.
What else should I know about telaprevir?
What preparations of telaprevir are available?
Tablets: 375 mg
How should I keep telaprevir stored?
Store telaprevir tablets between temperatures of 15 C 30 C (59 F 86
F).