Compare Viekira Pak vs. Epclusa
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
A combination of 4 different medications that treats hepatitis C infection.
Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is a drug regimen consisting of four pills; it's effective against genotype 1 hepatitis C virus, but may not be the best option if you have severe liver problems.
Treats hepatitis C.
Epclusa (velpatasvir / sofosbuvir) is a combination medicine that treats hepatitis C, and has been shown very effective at curing the disease in many people. It is very expensive.
Upsides
- Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) effectively treats 95% to 100% of people with genotype 1 Hepatitis C.
- The common side effects are manageable and include feeling nauseous, tired, itching or rash.
- Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) can also be used to treat genotype 1 hepatitis C if you have a liver transplant.
- Epclusa (velpatasvir / sofosbuvir) is the first medicine approved to treat all genotypes of hepatitis C.
- Most people only have to take one pill of Epclusa (velpatasvir / sofosbuvir) once a day for 12 weeks. If you have severe liver damage, you'll have to take it with ribavirin.
- It can be taken with or without food.
- The most common side effects are usually mild, including fatigue and headache.
Downsides
- Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) can only treat genotype 1 hepatitis C and must be taken twice a day.
- You might have to take to take Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) with an additional medication called ribavirin. This may not be a good option if you are uncomfortable swallowing pills.
- If you take medications containing ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), you will need another form of birth control during and for 2 weeks after using Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir).
- Should not be used if you experienced severe rash after taking ritonavir (Norvir).
- Your doctor will need to take frequent blood tests during the first 4 weeks and periodically after to monitor your liver function.
- Epclusa (velpatasvir / sofosbuvir) can only be absorbed properly in an acidic stomach so heartburn meds can affect how well it works.
- Epclusa (velpatasvir / sofosbuvir) can cause serious drops in heart rate when it is taken with amiodarone.
- If you have severe liver disease, you'll have to take Epclusa (velpatasvir / sofosbuvir) with another medication called ribavirin.
Used for
- Hepatitis C infection genotype 1
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$27403.70
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$24589.49
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
4possible side effects
- Nausea16%
- Itching13%
- Trouble sleeping12%
- Weakness/Lack of energy9%
5possible side effects
- Headache22%
- Fatigue15%
- Nausea9%
- Weakness5%
- Insomnia5%
Risks and risk factors
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- Hepatitis B infection
- Serious liver problems and complications
- Moderate to severe liver disease (Child Pugh B or C)
- Raised liver blood tests
- Taking estrogen containing medications
- Ribavirin warnings
- Drug interactions
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- History of hepatitis B infection
- Slower heart beat
- Amiodarone
- Beta blockers
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Drug interactions
- Ribavirin warnings
- Taking ribavirin with Epclusa (velpatasvir / sofosbuvir)