Brand Names: Victrelis

Generic Name: boceprevir (Pronunciation: boe SEP re vir)

• What is boceprevir (Victrelis)?
• What are the possible side effects of boceprevir (Victrelis)?
• What is the most important information I should know about boceprevir (Victrelis)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking boceprevir (Victrelis)?
• How should I take boceprevir (Victrelis)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Victrelis)?
• What happens if I overdose (Victrelis)?
• What should I avoid while taking boceprevir (Victrelis)?
• What other drugs will affect boceprevir (Victrelis)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is boceprevir (Victrelis)?

Boceprevir is an antiviral medication that prevents certain virus cells from multiplying in your body.

Boceprevir is used in combination with peginterferon alfa (Pegasys, PegIntron) and ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere, RibaTab) to treat hepatitis C in adults.

Boceprevir is usually given to people who have never been treated for hepatitis C, or after interferon and ribavirin have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Boceprevir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of boceprevir (Victrelis)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using boceprevir and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling weak, tired, or irritable;
• headache, dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea;
• dry skin, hair loss;
• altered sense of taste;
• joint pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Victrelis (boceprevir capsules) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about boceprevir (Victrelis)?

Do not take boceprevir as your only medication to treat hepatitis C. Boceprevir must be used in combination with peginterferon alfa (Pegasys, PegIntron) and ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere, RibaTab).

Boceprevir is given together with interferon alfa and ribavirin. Ribavirin can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. Do not use this combination of drugs if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant. Use at least 2 effective forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using interferon alfa and ribavirin. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after treatment ends.

There are many other drugs that can interact with boceprevir. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.