Pharmaceutical company AbbVie has announced that their hepatitis C treatment Viekira Pak will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 May.

The new treatments, commonly known as Viekira Pak and Viekira Pak-RBV, include three new direct -acting antivirals, combined in one tablet, acting together to block three stages of the hepatitis C life cycle.

Viekira Pak consists of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir combined in a tablet together with a dasabuvir tablet. These medicines are approved for use by people living with genotype 1 hepatitits C, including those with mild to moderate liver disease. Viekira Pak is also available as Viekira Pak-RBV, a variation with ribavirin, for use by people with chronic hepatitis C who have cirrhosis.

Chair of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia - Australian Liver Association, Associate Professor Amany Zekry, welcomed the PBS listing of Viekira Pak and Viekira Pak-RBV, pointing out that the listing of these medicines means there are now "a number of interferon-free treatment options for people with genotype 1 hepatitis C".

Side effects from Viekira Pak, reportedly mild, include fatigue, nausea, itching and insomnia. People taking Viekira Pak-RBV should discuss ribavirin side-effects with their doctor, including avoiding use in pregnancy and monitoring for anaemia.

Viekira Pak may be prescribed by general practitioners in consultation with a specialist. General Manager of AbbVie Australia, Kirsten O'Doherty said the company will support specialist-led education of GPs and patient-focused initiatives to reduce barriers to treatment and care.