Boceprevir (Victrelis) and telaprevir (Incivo): predictive factors for sepsis, worsening liver function, and mortality

A European review identified baseline markers as predictive factors for morbidity requiring hospitalisation and mortality in cirrhotic patients.

• From: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
• Published: 11 December 2014

• Therapeutic area: GI, hepatology and pancreatic disorders and Infectious disease

Article date: November 2014

A European review identified the following baseline markers as predictive factors for morbidity requiring hospitalisation (eg, sepsis, worsening liver function) and mortality in cirrhotic patients treated with either boceprevir or telaprevir in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin:  

• low platelet count
• hypoalbuminaemia
• coagulopathy (for boceprevir only)

Boceprevir and telaprevir are not recommended for patients who have a low platelet count or hypoalbuminaemia before starting either of these medicines. Boceprevir is also not recommended for patients who have coagulopathy before starting it. If treatment is started, closely monitor for infection, worsening liver function, and anaemia, as described in the summary of product characteristics (see below).

Further information

Boceprevir summary of product characteristics

Telaprevir summary of product characteristics

Article citation: Drug Safety Update volume 8 issue 4, November 2014: S1

Published 11 December 2014