Mavyret is an antiviral drug prescribed to treat hepatitis C (HCV). It comes as oral tablets and pellets. Mavyret works by stopping HCV from multiplying, which can cure this condition.

Mavyret is a brand-name medication for chronic (long-term) HCV in adults and children 3 years and older.

There are two active ingredients in Mavyret: glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. This combination is not currently available in generic form.

Note: Mavyret has a boxed warning about the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in people with a history of this condition. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Mavyret can be used to treat HCV genotypes 1 to 6 in certain people. This includes people who:

  • don’t have cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
  • have compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A), which is a mild type of cirrhosis
  • have been treated with certain other medications for genotype 1 HCV that weren’t effective

Also, Mavyret is generally safe to take if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis.

Mavyret treatment typically lasts for 8, 12, or 16 weeks. How long you’ll take this drug depends on several factors, such as your treatment history and whether you have liver cirrhosis (scarring). Your doctor will order blood tests to check the status of your condition.

Mavyret works to cure HCV by stopping the virus from multiplying (making more of itself). HCV is considered cured when the virus can no longer be seen on certain blood tests.

Mavyret starts working to stop HCV from multiplying as soon as you start taking the drug. But studies show that Mavyret cures hepatitis C in most people within 8 to 16 weeks when it’s taken as directed.

Mavyret’s more common side effects include headache, fatigue (lack of energy), and nausea. Other possible side effects can be mild or serious, and can include:

These are not all the side effects reported with Mavyret. You can talk with your doctor or pharmacist or refer to the drug’s prescribing information for details. You can also learn more in this Mavyret side effects overview.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Mavyret can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

If you have mild symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Mavyret treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

It’s recommended to avoid alcohol if you have hepatitis, which Mavyret treats. Alcohol can worsen liver conditions, including HCV, and can lead to severe cirrhosis.

Before starting Mavyret, talk with your doctor about whether any of the following factors apply to you:

Mavyret has a boxed warning about the risk of HBV reactivation. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Before you start treatment with Mavyret, your doctor will order a blood test to determine whether you have HBV. If you do, they’ll monitor you for signs of reactivation during and after treatment.

Mavyret’s recommended dosage for adults and children ages 12 years and older is three tablets taken once per day. For children ages 3 years to 12 years, Mavyret’s dosage is based on body weight.

You may take Mavyret for 8 to 16 weeks, depending on your treatment history and whether you have cirrhosis.

These are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Note: Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Mavyret. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison 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 forms and strengths

Mavyret comes as oral tablets and pellets, which are swallowed. The pellets come in packets containing 3 pellets. Both forms contain two active ingredients and come in one strength:

  • Tablets: 100 milligrams (mg) glecaprevir, 40 mg pibrentasvir
  • Pellets: 50 mg glecaprevir, 20 mg pibrentasvir

How to take Mavyret

Mavyret comes as tablets you swallow whole with food, and as pellets that you mix into a soft food and swallow within 15 minutes. (Be sure to throw away any unused food that contains Mavyret pellets. Do not save any unused pellets for later use.)

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Mavyret’s side effects.

What should I avoid when taking Mavyret?

You should avoid drinking alcohol with Mavyret. You should also avoid using the herb St. John’s wort with Mavyret.

There are also some medications that can interact with Mavyret, such as certain cholesterol medications and blood thinners, and some birth control pills. See the “Mavyret interactions” section for more examples.

Is there a best time of day to take Mavyret?

There’s no best time to take Mavyret, but try to take your dose around the same time each day. This helps to keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps the drug work effectively. You could try to take Mavyret with the same meal every day to help you remember to stay on schedule.

Mavyret can interact with the following:

  • St. John’s wort: You should not use the herb St. John’s wort while taking Mavyret.
  • Birth control medications that contain ethinyl estradiol: It’s safe to take Mavyret with birth control that contains 20 micrograms (mcg) of ethinyl estradiol or less. If your birth control contains more than 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, your doctor may recommend a different method or add another form of birth control during Mavyret treatment.
  • Certain blood thinners, such as: warfarin, dabigatran (Pradaxa)
  • Certain cholesterol medications called statins, such as: atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Altoprev)
  • Certain types of antiviral medications for HIV, such as: atazanavir (Reyataz), efavirenz (Sustiva)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Rifampin

This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Mavyret. Before taking Mavyret, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. This can help you avoid potential interactions.

A savings card and a patient support program are available for Mavyret, which can help you determine your costs and how to save on Mavyret. What you’ll pay for this drug may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about Mavyret’s cost and how to save money on prescriptions.

It isn’t known whether Mavyret is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. There isn’t any information on the drug’s effects when taken during these times. Talk with your doctor about the risks of taking Mavyret while pregnant or breastfeeding.

The following drugs are similar to Mavyret:

If you’d like to explore an alternative to Mavyret, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

Mavyret and Epclusa are both used for chronic HCV in adults and children ages 3 years and older. The drugs both come as oral tablets and pellets. To learn more, see this Mavyret vs. Epclusa comparison article.

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.

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