FDA Warns AbbVie’s Hepatitis C Drugs Could Harm Liver
Some patients with advanced forms of the disease experienced liver failure, the FDA says, after taking Viekira Pak and Technivie. Gilead, which makes a rival hepatitis C drug, may benefit, analysts say.
Reuters:
FDA Warns Of Serious Liver Injury Risk With AbbVie Hep C Drugs
U.S. health regulators on Thursday issued a warning of potential risk of serious liver injury for certain patients using AbbVie's hepatitis C treatments, Viekira Pak and Technivie, sending the drugmaker's shares down more than 10 percent. The Food and Drug Administration said AbbVie had identified cases of hepatic decompensation and liver failure in patients with liver cirrhosis who were taking the medicines. (Berkrot, 10/22)
The Washington Post:
After Patient Deaths, FDA Warns About Liver Damage Risk Of Hepatitis C Medications
Federal regulators on Thursday warned that two hepatitis C medications from drug maker AbbVie can cause "serious liver injury" in patients with advanced forms of the disease. The Food and Drug Administration said it had received numerous reports of patients who either died or had to undergo liver transplantation after receiving the treatments, known as Viekira Pak and Technivie. (Dennis, 10/22)