Toxicity and risks from drug-to-drug interactions of new antivirals for chronic hepatitis C

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Mar;21(1 Suppl):102-111.

Abstract

The new direct acting antivirals (DAAs), defined as those drugs that are effective in combinations without interferon, have totally changed HCV treatment and probably in few years will also totally change global landscape of advanced liver diseases. The advantage of DAAs is a low-risk/high-benefit ratio. Although overall adverse events during DAAs treatment are limited in frequency and severity, some toxicity issues emerged during the first years of real-life experience with these drugs. Another peculiar characteristic of present DAAs is a high probability of interaction with other "common-use" drugs, such as anti-hypertensive, anti-platelet, antiarrhythmic and cholesterol lowering agents. Above all, special attention should be paid in older patients and in those belonging to special populations, who more frequently require the concomitant use of polytherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Interactions*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Antiviral Agents