Simeprevir
OLYSIO
Pronunciation: sim-E-pre-veer
What it isA second-generation HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor that blocks the polyprotein processing essential for hepatitis C replication.
Why this oneCombined with sofosbuvir or peginterferon/ribavirin for genotype 1/4 HCV, it is now largely obsolete and retained mainly for interaction data.
What limits itA boxed warning for HBV reactivation, plus photosensitivity, rash, and reduced efficacy with the Q80K polymorphism, limit its use.
Simeprevir prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Hepatitis C meds (1987–2026). Simeprevir enters in 2013 (estimated).
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients coinfected with HCV and HBV
Principal riskBoxed warning: risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation, including fulminant hepatitis and death, in patients coinfected with HCV and HBV.
Sulfonamide
Sulfonamide-derived drug (non-antibacterial) — label warns
An acyl sulfonamide with no N4 aromatic amine and no N1 heterocycle; the label warns on sulfonamide allergy. Not named by Khan; the evidence for the non-antimicrobials as a group says cross-reactivity is unlikely.
Open the sulfonamide hypersensitivity presentation → · sources [n] are on its References slide.
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Open Simeprevir in the interactive console ↗
Self-check
- Which viral enzyme does simeprevir inhibit?
HCV NS3/4A protease. - Which polymorphism reduces simeprevir efficacy?
Q80K.