Victrelis

Victrelis (Boceprevir) Patient Assistance: Important Update

Program Status

Victrelis (boceprevir) is no longer actively manufactured or prescribed. Merck discontinued this hepatitis C medication after newer, more effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments became available. If you are currently taking Victrelis or have questions about your treatment, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternative hepatitis C medications.

Historical Program Information

When Victrelis was available (2011-2015), Merck offered multiple assistance options for eligible patients:

About Victrelis

Victrelis (boceprevir) was an oral hepatitis C protease inhibitor approved by the FDA on May 13, 2011. It was the first direct-acting antiviral agent for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection. The medication was used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for adult patients (18 years and older) with compensated liver disease, including those with cirrhosis who had not previously received treatment or had failed prior interferon and ribavirin therapy.

Clinical trials demonstrated that boceprevir added to standard interferon-based therapy increased the likelihood of cure and reduced the required duration of treatment for most patients.

Historical Assistance Programs

Merck provided two main assistance options:

1. Merck Patient Assistance Program Eligible patients could receive Victrelis free of charge through Merck's patient assistance program. This program was designed for uninsured or underinsured patients who met income eligibility requirements.

2. Co-Pay Assistance Card Merck offered a discount co-pay card allowing eligible individuals to save up to $200 on each of up to 12 Victrelis prescriptions (covering up to 48 weeks of treatment, though many patients required shorter treatment durations).

How to Access Current Hepatitis C Treatment

If you have chronic hepatitis C, modern treatment options are now available that are:

• More effective (cure rates exceed 95%)
• Shorter duration (typically 8-12 weeks)
• Better tolerated with fewer side effects
• Often covered by insurance or available through patient assistance programs

Contact your healthcare provider or hepatologist to discuss current treatment options. Current medications include sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), simeprevir (Olysio), and other newer DAAs that have largely replaced boceprevir.

Finding Assistance for Current Hepatitis C Medications

For patient assistance with current hepatitis C treatments:

• NeedyMeds: Comprehensive database of patient assistance programs (www.needymeds.org)
• RxAssist: Database of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs
• Manufacturer Programs: Most hepatitis C drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs
• Your Healthcare Provider: Can help identify appropriate medications and assistance resources
• Hepatitis C Organizations: Groups like the American Liver Foundation provide resources and referrals

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides historical information about Victrelis patient assistance. Victrelis is no longer in active use. If you are seeking hepatitis C treatment, consult with your healthcare provider about current, FDA-approved medications and their associated patient assistance programs. Do not attempt to obtain discontinued medications. Information in this guide is based on historical program details and may not reflect current availability or requirements.