Mavyret is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat certain types of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults and children ages 3 years and older.

Mavyret is prescribed to treat six types of chronic HCV in people with or without cirrhosis (liver scarring). Your doctor may also prescribe Mavyret if you’ve been previously treated with a different drug for HCV type 1 that didn’t cure your condition.

Mavyret is a direct-acting antiviral medication that comes as an oral tablet or pellet. Each form contains the two active drugs glecaprevir and pibrentasvir.

Currently, Mavyret isn’t available in a generic version. It’s only available as a brand-name drug.

For information about the dosage of Mavyret, including its strengths and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Mavyret, see this article.

This article describes typical dosages for Mavyret provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Mavyret, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Mavyret’s typical recommended dosages are described below. However, you should take Mavyret as your doctor prescribes.

Mavyret forms

Mavyret comes as an oral tablet or an oral pellet.

Mavyret strengths

Mavyret comes in the following forms and strengths:

  • oral tablets that contain 100 milligrams (mg) glecaprevir/40 mg pibrentasvir
  • oral pellets that contain 50 mg glecaprevir/20 mg pibrentasvir

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages and dosing schedules that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for hepatitis C

The recommended Mavyret dosage is three tablets once per day for a total daily dose of 300 mg of glecaprevir and 120 mg of pibrentasvir.

The drug manufacturer’s dosing guidelines recommend a certain dosing schedule depending on:

  • whether you have cirrhosis (liver scarring)
  • the severity of your condition
  • whether you’ve been treated in the past for hepatitis C virus (HCV)
  • the type of drug previously used to treat your HCV

You’ll likely take Mavyret for 8 weeks if you haven’t been treated for HCV and either don’t have cirrhosis or have compensated cirrhosis (mild liver scarring).

You’ll likely take Mavyret for 8, 12, or 16 weeks to treat HCV type 1 if you were previously treated for HCV with another medication that didn’t cure your condition.

Children’s dosage

Mavyret is approved to treat certain types of HCV in children ages 3 years and older.

The dosage for children ages 3 years to less than 12 years is based on body weight. Your child’s doctor will use your child’s body weight to determine their dosage. They’ll likely be prescribed Mavyret pellets.

For children ages 12 years and older or children who weigh at least 45 kilograms (kg)* (about 99 pounds [lb]), the dosage is the same as that for adults: three tablets once per day. This is a total daily dose of 300 mg of glecaprevir and 120 mg of pibrentasvir. For more information on Mavyret’s dosage, see this article.

The length of time your child will be treated with Mavyret depends on:

  • whether they have cirrhosis (liver scarring)
  • the severity of their condition
  • whether they’ve been treated in the past for HCV
  • the type of drug previously used to treat their HCV

Children who haven’t been treated for HCV and either don’t have cirrhosis or have compensated cirrhosis (mild liver scarring) will likely take Mavyret for 8 weeks.

Children with HCV type 1 who were previously treated with another drug (but not cured) will likely take Mavyret for 8, 12, or 16 weeks.

* One kg equals about 2.2 lb.

Long-term treatment

How long you use Mavyret depends on factors such as if you have liver scarring and whether your HVC was previously treated.

Depending on those factors, Mavyret is typically prescribed for 8, 12, or 16 weeks. Your doctor will advise the length of treatment that’s right for you.

For more information on the length of Mavyret treatment, see the “Mavyret dosage” section above.

If you miss a dose of Mavyret and it’s less than 18 hours from the time it should’ve been taken, take the dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue with your usual dosing schedule.

If you miss a dose of Mavyret and it’s more than 18 hours from the scheduled time, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at the usual time.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

The Mavyret dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Mavyret to treat
  • whether you’ve received previous treatment for HCV
  • the type of drug previously used to treat your HCV
  • whether you have cirrhosis (liver scarring)
  • the form of Mavyret you take
  • your age

Your doctor will provide you with dosing instructions on how to take Mavyret. They’ll likely advise you to take your dose at the same time each day with food. Taking Mavyret at the same time of day helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so that it can work effectively.

Mavyret tablets and pellets should be taken by mouth. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mavyret oral pellets are typically prescribed to children. They should not be crushed or chewed. It’s recommended that pellets should be taken with food. You can sprinkle the pellets onto soft foods that stick to a spoon, such as peanut butter, thick jam, or cream cheese.

The food mixture containing the Mavyret pellets should be swallowed within 15 minutes of mixing. And the mixture should not be stored for later use.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

If you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you have trouble opening tablet medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Mavyret in an easy-open container. They may also recommend tools and tips that make it easier to open bottles and unit dose packets.

It’s important that you do not use more Mavyret than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Mavyret

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Mavyret. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Mavyret for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Mavyret without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Mavyret that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Mavyret. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.