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 FDA-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 can cause side effects like fatigue, nausea, and itching, and it has significant drug interactions, especially with medications containing estrogen. Olysio required additional medications that had many side effects, which contributed to its discontinuation. While Viekira Pak offers a complete regimen for hepatitis C, Olysio was not a standalone treatment.
