Key takeaways
Viekira Pak (dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir) and Olysio (simeprevir) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. However, they differ in several ways. Viekira Pak is a combination medication that includes three antiviral agents and a booster, ritonavir, and is specifically approved for hepatitis C genotype 1. It is taken orally with a specific dosing schedule of four tablets per day and is still available by prescription. In contrast, Olysio (simeprevir) was used in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, but it has been discontinued and is no longer available in the U.S. Viekira Pak has common side effects like nausea and fatigue, and it interacts with many medications, requiring careful management. Olysio was discontinued due to the availability of newer treatments with fewer side effects and higher cure rates.
