Bulevirtide

Interactions

Bulevirtide interacts in the following cases:

OATP1B1/3 substrates

In vitro an inhibition of OATP1B1/3 transporters by bulevirtide was observed, albeit only at a concentration ≥0.5 µM, which is only reached in vivo after administration of high bulevirtide doses (10 mg subcutaneous). The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. As a precautionary measure, close clinical monitoring is warranted when OATP1B1/3 substrates (e.g. atorvastatin, bosentan, docetaxel, fexofenadine, glecaprevir, glyburide (glibenclamide), grazoprevir, nateglinide, paclitaxel, paritaprevir, pitavastatin, pravastatin, repaglinide, rosuvastatin, simeprevir, simvastatin, olmesartan, telmisartan, valsartan, voxilaprevir) are co-administered. When possible, co-administration of these substrates should be avoided.

NTCP substrates

As a precautionary measure, close clinical monitoring is warranted when NTCP substrates (e.g. estrone3-sulfate, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and thyroid hormones) are coadministered with bulevirtide. When possible, co-administration of these substrates should be avoided.

Ciclosporin A

In vitro, it has been shown, that certain medicinal products can inhibit bulevirtide target sodiumtaurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). The co-administration of ciclosporin A is not recommended.

Ezetimibe

In vitro, it has been shown, that certain medicinal products can inhibit bulevirtide target sodiumtaurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). The co-administration of ezetimibe is not recommended.

Irbesartan

In vitro, it has been shown, that certain medicinal products can inhibit bulevirtide target sodiumtaurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). The co-administration of irbesartan is not recommended.

Ritonavir

In vitro, it has been shown, that certain medicinal products can inhibit bulevirtide target sodiumtaurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). The co-administration of ritonavir is not recommended.

Sulfasalazin

In vitro, it has been shown, that certain medicinal products can inhibit bulevirtide target sodiumtaurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). The co-administration of sulfasalazin is not recommended.

Decompensated liver cirrhosis

The pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of bulevirtide in patients with decompensated cirrhosis has not been established. The use in patients with decompensated liver disease is not recommended.

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of bulevirtide in pregnant women.

Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity.

As a precautious measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of bulevirtide during pregnancy and in women of child-bearing age who do not use contraception.

Nursing mothers

It is unknown whether bulevirtide is excreted in human breast milk. Therefore, a decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue/abstain from treatment with bulevirtide, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child with regard to the benefit of treatment for the mother.

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and fertility

Fertility

No human data on the effect of bulevirtide on fertility are available. In animal studies, no effects of bulevirtide on male or female mating and fertility were noted.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

The product has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be informed that dizziness has been reported during treatment with bulevirtide.

Adverse reactions


Summary of the safety profile

The most frequently reported adverse reactions were asymptomatic, dose dependent and reversible (after discontinuation of treatment) increase in bile salts (very common) and injection site reactions (common).

The most frequently reported serious adverse reaction was an exacerbation of hepatitis after discontinuation of bulevirtide, possibly related to virologic rebound after discontinuation of treatment.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Common and very common adverse reactions are listed below by system organ class and absolute frequency. Frequencies are defined as follows: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100, <1/10).

Med DRA System Organ Class Adverse reactions
Very common (≥1/10) Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders  Anaemia
Eosinophilia
Leukopenia
Lymphopenia
Neutropenia
Reticulocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia
Nervous system disorders  Dizziness
Headache
Somnolence
Cardiac disorders  Tachycardia
Gastrointestinal disorders  Abdominal distention
Nausea
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders  Erythema
Hyperhidrosis
Pruritus
Rash
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders  Arthralgia
Muscle spasms
Renal and urinary disorders  Haematuria
General disorders and administration site conditions  Fatigue
Influenza like illness
Injection site erythema
Injection site haematoma
Injection site pruritus
Injection site dermatitis
Local reaction
Investigations Total bile salt increasedALT increased
Amylase increased
AST increased
Blood bilirubin increased
Blood creatinine increased
GGT increased
Haemoglobin decreased
INR increased
Lipase increased
Neutrophil count decreased

Description of selected adverse reactions

ALT elevations

Most ALT elevations were reported after treatment cessation and may be related to hepatitis exacerbation after withdrawal of antiviral treatment.

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