Dasabuvir

The Basics

What is Dasabuvir?

An antiviral medication for the treatment of hepatitis C.

Brand names for Dasabuvir

Viekira Xr

How Dasabuvir is classified

Antiviral Agents

Dasabuvir During Pregnancy

Dasabuvir pregnancy category

Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Dasabuvir while pregnant

There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with this medication. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.

Taking Dasabuvir While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dasabuvir?

Dasabuvir has not been studied in nursing mothers being treated for hepatitis C infection. Because it is greater than 99.5% bound to maternal plasma proteins, amounts in breastmilk are likely to be very low. If dasabuvir used alone or in combination with sofosbuvir or with ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir (Viekira Pak) is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] Some sources recommend against breastfeeding when dasabuvir is used with ribavirin. Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breastmilk[2][3] and breastmilk has been shown to inactivate hepatitis C virus (HCV).[4][5] However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that mothers with HCV infection should consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. It is not clear if this warning would apply to mothers who are being treated for hepatitis C. Infants born to mothers with HCV infection should be tested for HCV infection; because maternal antibody is present for the first 18 months of life and before the infant mounts an immunologic response, nucleic acid testing is recommended.[2][3]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Dasabuvir has not been studied in nursing mothers being treated for hepatitis C infection. Because it is greater than 99.5% bound to maternal plasma proteins, amounts in breastmilk are likely to be very low. If dasabuvir used alone or in combination with sofosbuvir or with ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir (Viekira Pak) is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] Some sources recommend against breastfeeding when dasabuvir is used with ribavirin. Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breastmilk[2][3] and breastmilk has been shown to inactivate hepatitis C virus (HCV).[4][5] However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that mothers with HCV infection should consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. It is not clear if this warning would apply to mothers who are being treated for hepatitis C. Infants born to mothers with HCV infection should be tested for HCV infection; because maternal antibody is present for the first 18 months of life and before the infant mounts an immunologic response, nucleic acid testing is recommended.[2][3]

Possible effects of Dasabuvir on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Dasabuvir

(Hepatitis C) Interferon Alfa, Interferon Alfacon-1, Peginterferon Alfa.